Costus chartaceus
Costus chartaceus Maas
Costus chartaceus, known as the Christmas costus, is a perennial plant with a red inflorescence. First described by Paul Maas in 1972, it is native to Colombia and Ecuador and is grown as an ornamental in other areas. It is not winter hardy.
Description
Costus chartaceus belongs to the genus Costus in the family Costaceae. It is found in regions including Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete, Amazonas, Caquetá, Putumayo, Humedal costero Obregón, Guapi, Cauca, and the departments of Caquetá and Guaviare in Colombia, as well as in Ecuador. This plant is cultivated for ornamental purposes outside its native range.
Distribution
Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete · Amazonas, Caquetá, Putumayo · Humedal costero Obregón, Guapi, Cauca · Departamentos del Caquetá y Guaviare: Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete · Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete (PNNSCh) · Colombia · Ecuador
