Plant Datasheet for Costus lateriflorus

The African Plant Database lists this species as accepted. Biology : Epiphyte with leafy shoots apparently sarmentose; leaf blade ovate, glabrous Ecology : Ecology unknown (? Forest); 5-975 m alt.

W3Tropicos - http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/pick.html - Author(s): ORSTOM Publication: List of Vascular Plants of Gabon with Synonymy

Costus lateriflorus, Baker - Flora of Tropical Africa, 1898 - describes this species. Leafy stem, apparently sarmentose. Leaves oblong, 5-7 in. long, 2 1/2 in. broad in the middle, obtusely cuspidate, cuneate at the base, moderately firm, glabrous on both sides; petiole and ligule very short,. Flowers many in a cluster from the side of the stem; bracts small, oblong. Calyx subcylindrical, firm in texture, 3/4/ in. long, shortly toothed at the apex. Corolla-lobes oblong-lanceolate, above 1 in. long. Lip sulphur yellow, 2 in. long and broad, irregularly toothed round the outer edge; process of fertile stamen nearly 1 in. shorter than the lip; anther 1/3 in. long. Lower Guinea, Corisco Bay; Mount John, Rivcer Kongui, Mann, 1629!

Schumann describes this species and places in subgenus Metacostus - Das Pflanzenreich IV, 1904. (NOTE: This IS the African epiphytic Costus as described by Schumann.)

ACCESSION NOTES:
R2834 Smithsonian plant received from Ft. Worth Botanical Garden. This collection has been vouchered at the UC Berkeley, Jepsen Herbarium, UC2045795.

GINGERSRUS CATALOG LISTING:
This is a rare African Costus that is epiphytic in nature and grows almost like a vine, with long thin stems that twist and turn in typical Costus fashion. Mature stems seem to stop at about 3 feet long, but perhaps would grow longer under some conditions. The leaves are shiny, medium green and the flowers form in clusters at the leaf axils, unlike any most other Costus which either flower terminally on a leafy stem or basally on a short leafless stem or direct from the rhizome. The flowers are BEAUTIFUL!!! The labellum is a bright yellow color with reddish spots on the stamen to attract bees - the most likely pollinators. The corolla lobes are translucent.

I have not tested this one outdoors, but I seriously doubt it would be hardy below 40 degrees. It should be grown in pots in a very loose, free-draining medium, in warm, humid conditions year round. I have grown it in very strong sunlight with no indications of leaf damage, but also in part shade, indirect light and under 20% shade cloth - so it seems to do fine under a wide range of light conditions.