Plant Datasheet for Costus longebracteolatus

Costus longebracteolatus is described as a basal flowering species growing to 2-6 meters tall with strigose to hirsute stems and ligule 10-30 mm long. There is no mention of the purplish coloration to the leaves as is found on the most commonly cultivated specimens known as 'Long Kiss' or as 'Kiss of Death'. The bracts are described as green on the exposed part, red covered part, non-appendaged but having the apex slightly curved outwards. The species is especially characterized having a very long bracteole (32-42 mm - thus, the species name) and calyx (17-22 mm). In 1972 he did not have a good description of the flower but in 1977 he described it as being an open labellum type, white with wine-red venation on the outer lobes.

The type was from Macas, Ecuador and the distribution range includes southeastern Ecuador and Amazonian Colombia and Peru.

ACCESSION NOTES:
R2611, Mark Collins collection(?), called 'Long Kiss' by him. R3003, 'Kiss of Death'. Both sold on his son (Colton Collins) website for Plant Group Hawaii, Inc., http://www.plantgrouphawaii.com. On Mark Collins' widow's website at Plant Group Siam Mariposa this same plant is called 'Long Lover' instead of 'Long Kiss'.

R3062 from Jim West in Ecuador (did not survive),

R3126 from seeds collected in Peru, Quebrada Cayapoza off Rio Napo, lost here but distributed and presumed still living at Lyon Arboretum, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, John Mood's garden and several others in Puerto Rico.

OBSERVATION NOTES:

trail off Quebrada Cayapoza, Maynas Province, Peru, Latitude -3.429, Longitude -73.159, at 100 meters elevation.

San Pedro de Mangua, Maynas Province, Peru, Latitude -3.308, Longitude -72.807, at 110 meters elevation.

San Pedro de Manguas, Maynas Province, Peru, Latitude -3.3, Longitude -72.8, at 110 meters elevation.

GINGERSRUS CATALOG LISTING:
Costus longebracteolatus is a basal blooming Costus species from Amazonian parts of South America. This species is sometimes sold as Costus 'Long Kiss', a name apparently given by the late plant collector Mark Collins. He named another specific form of this species as 'Kiss of Death'. It is distinctive for its short stiff hairs on the stems and other vegetative parts, as well as for the long bracteoles after which it is named. It seems to be a bit difficult to bring to flower in a greenhouse, and in fact I had never actually seen this species in flower until I went to Ecuador and saw it growing at Reserva Rio Guaycuyacu. The flowers are quite showy, and the bracts last a long time. Even if it does not flower, the plant is very attractive, especially the long curving stems with their thick hairs.

I have not tested this species for cold hardiness, but I doubt it would survive outdoors in areas with winter temperatures below freezing. In the greenhouse, it seems to do best in about 50% shade. I have also noticed that it seems to need contant moisture, but very well drained planting medium, and would recommend using extra pine bark or other such material to promote drainage in the containers.