Cana agria, Red congo cane
Costus scaber

Family: Costaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 3 m tall. The leaves are arranged in spirals. The leaves are narrowly oval and 32 cm long by 11 cm wide.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on the edge of forests and along streams.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, Honduras, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, South America, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The leaves are boiled and made into a fermented drink.

Edible parts

Leaves - flavouring, stems - drink

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Auru iru, Canagre, Daavinchi remedyu ku'la, Eseyundu, Haisayundi, Kkilum, ilum Mauby, Orelha-da-onca, Shinachi

Synonyms

Costus anachiri Jacq.; and others