Showy costus, African costus
Costus dubius

Family: Costaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 2-5 m tall and 2-3 m wide. The leaves are mid green. They are oval and wedge shaped at the base. They are arranged in spirals along the stems. The flowers are white with a yellow throat.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in humid regions. It can grow in light shade. It is best in a soil with high organic matter. It often grows in wet areas.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa (country/location of origin), Asia, Australia, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, East Africa, Ghana, Hawaii, Indonesia, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by sections of the rhizomes or from tubers or seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Costus narsis, Sudu thebu, Thebu, Wal thebu

Synonyms

Costus albus A. Chev. ex Koechlin; Costus edulis De Wild. & T. Durand; Costus trachyphyllus K. Schum.; Costus zechii K. Schum.; Zingiber dubium Afzel.;