Thumbnail Sheet for Chamaecostus Species

The genus Chamaecostus was split out from Costus in 2006 (see Reclassification of Costaceae). These are South American plants, generally short in stature, with tubular, bicarinate bracteoles and relatively large labellums. Most of them grow in regions with a distinct dry season and have adapted thick tuberous roots for storage during a period of dormancy.

Until recently, they have not been well studied, and only two species are in general cultivation in gardens. Thiago André, of the Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará (Brazil) has been working extensively with this group of plants and we can expect a few changes in the delineation of these species.


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Chamaecostus acaulis form, from Skinner R3391 from Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Click to see full sized image
Photo# 20 PID # 6082
Chamaecostus acaulis


Chamaecostus congestiflorus, photo from floredeguyane.piwigo.com - Click to see full sized image
Photo# 1 PID # 4041
Chamaecostus congestiflorus


Chamaecostus curcumoides, photo Maas Itoupephotos from Sophie Gonzalez - Click to see full sized image
Photo# 5 PID # 3753
Chamaecostus curcumoides


Chamaecostus cuspidatus, photo from Skinner R3301 from Espirito Santo, Brazil - Click to see full sized image
Photo# 10 PID # 3087
Chamaecostus cuspidatus


Chamaecostus fragilis, photo at www.inaturalist.org/observations/318853, by Pedro Ivo Simoes - Click to see full sized image
Photo# 12 PID # 4860
Chamaecostus fragilis


Chameaecostus fusiformis, photo from Skinner R3250 Cristalino, Mato Groso, Brazil - Click to see full sized image
Photo# 15 PID # 4859
Chamaecostus fusiformis


Chamaecostus lanceolatus subsp. lanceolatus, photo from Skinner R3249 at Alta Floresta, Brazil - Click to see full sized image
Photo# 16 PID # 4203
Chamaecostus lanceolatus
subsp. lanceolatus


Chamaecostus lanceolatus subsp. pulchriflorus, photo from Maas, Bhiki 1239 DSC03527 - Click to see full sized image
Photo# 17 PID # 4611
Chamaecostus lanceolatus
subsp. pulchriflorus


Chamaecostus manausensis, photo from Maas, Miralha 296 Brazil U0992699 - Click to see full sized image
Photo# 19 PID # 7637
Chamaecostus manausensis
proposed sp. nov.


Chamaecostus subsessilis, Brasilia form, photo from Maas M8660 U0999665 - Click to see full sized image
Photo# 21 PID # 4610
Chamaecostus subsessilis