CLICK HERE for a detailed botanical description and identification key for this species (opens in new window). CLICK HERE to see a description of accession #R2986 . (opens in new window). PLANT FAMILY: Costaceae BOTANICAL NAME: Costus letestui FORMAL SCIENTIFIC NAME: Costus letestui Pellegr. STATUS :synonym CONTINENT: African SYNONYMS: BOTANICAL NOTES: This African species is placed in synonymy with Costus lateriflorus (PID4878) in Paul Maas' monograph on African Costaceae, published on 16 December 2016. (Monograph of African Costaceae, H. Maas-van de Kamer, P.J.M. Maas, J.J. Wieringa, C.D. Specht, Blumea 61, 2016: 280 - 318, http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/nhn/blumea/2016/00000061/00000003/art00010) NOTE: The plant in cultivation under this name has white flowers and does not fit the description of C. lateriflorus with its bright yellow labellum. The plant in cultivation under this name must be another species, to be determined. The African Plant Database lists this species as accepted. Biology : Epiphytic herb; stems pendulouEcology : Forest, epiphyte; 70-1550 m alt. GINGERSRUS CATALOG LISTING: The plant is easilly grown and will flower in a 6-8 inch pot, maturing at about 2 feet in height and width. The size makes this an ideal houseplant that can be grown outdoors in summer and indoors (or in a greenhouse) in winter. It seems to prefer medium shade. Hardiness has not been tested, but I doubt it would be winter hardy except in frost-free locations. I grow it in a loose, free draining peat and perlite mix with light applications of slow release fertilizer. ![]() ![]() |