Canahuate
Costus guanaiensis

Family: Costaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows from a creeping underground tuberous rootstock and has stems 2-6 m tall.

There are about 40-90 Costus species. They grow in the tropics. Possibly in a hot house in Slovenia.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in moist to wet thickets. In Puerto Rico is grows between 90-860 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bolivia, Brazil, Caribbean, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador (country/location of origin), Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Mexico, North America, Panama, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, Singapore, Slovenia, South America, Suriname, Trinidad, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The stalks have a tasty acid juice. It is made into a drink by adding sugar. The flowers are also eaten raw.

Edible parts

Stalks, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Costus sinningiiflorus Rusby;