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Dimerocostus strobilaceus
The genus Dimerocostus is distinguished from Costus by having a bilocular (vs. trilocular) ovary and a tubular bracteole. There are only two species in the genus, represented in Costa Rica by Dimerocostus strobilaceus subsp. strobilaceus which is found from Honduras to Panama and northwestern South America. In the Osa Conservation Area it is only documented in the Piedras Blancas National Park.
Dimerocostus strobilaceus is characterized by closely spaced leaves spiraling around the plant with very short (or non-existent) ligules. The inflorescence also spirals around the stem which occasionally continues to grow right through the inflorescence as shown to the right. The bracts are green. The flowers are usually bright yellow spreading flowers, with a labellum shape reminicent of the Asian Costus speciosus. There is also a white flowering form.
| Photos and description by Dave Skinner, www.gingersrus.com |
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