spiral ginger

Costus pulverulentus C.Presl

Costus pulverulentus, known as spiral ginger, is a flowering plant in the family Costaceae. It is native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. It has been introduced to Cuba and Florida, and is invasive in Hawaii. The species was first described in 1825 by C.Presl.

Description

Costus pulverulentus is found in several protected areas in Colombia, including Parque Nacional Natural Río Puré, Parque Nacional Natural Catatumbo Barí, and Parque Nacional Natural Las Orquídeas. It also occurs in Antioquia, Arauca, Bolívar, and other regions of the country. Its distribution extends to other parts of the Americas, including Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and various regions of Mexico. It has also been recorded in the conterminous 48 United States. The plant is known for its distinctive spiral arrangement of leaves and is sometimes referred to as red cigar.

Other common names

spiral ginger

Distribution

Parque Nacional Natural Río Puré | Parque Nacional Natural Catatumbo Barí | Parque Nacional Natural Las Orquídeas · AS · No especificado · Puerto Boyacá · Antioquia, Arauca, Bolívar, Boyacá, Caldas, Cauca, Chocó, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Risaralda, Santander, Tolima, Valle · HN · GT · Hawaii · conterminous 48 United States · Belize · Colombia · Costa Rica · Cuba · Ecuador · Guatemala · Honduras · Mexico Central · Mexico Gulf · Mexico Northeast · Mexico Southeast · Mexico Southwest · Nicaragua · Panamá · Venezuelan Antilles · Venezuela · Manizales · Colombia | Bolívar | Turbaco | Jardín Botánico de Cartagena "Guillermo Piñeres" y alrededores · CU