Costus
Saussurea costus
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A thistle. The leaves are arrowhead shaped. The flowers are in purple heads.
Oils from the root are used in medicine.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows between 2,500-3,000 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zone 6-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Pakistan, South Asia, Tibet
How it is used for food
It is bitter tasting
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Herb, root - spice
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Changala, Gostham, Koshet, Kostha, Kostum, Kur, Kust, Kustha, Kut, Kuth, Mu xiang, Oachak, Potchuk, Qust, Sepuddy, Upaleta
Synonyms
Aplotaxis lappa Decne.; Aucklandia costus Falc.; Aucklandia lappa Decne.; Saussurea lappa (Decne.) Sch.Bip.; Theodorea costus Kuntze;