Costus barbatus Suessenguth

None recorded

Costaceae

Hawaiian Torch Ginger, Red Tower Ginger, Red Velvet Ginger, Spiral Ginger

The species is a native of Costa Rica, Central America.

The plant grows well in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moist, well-drained, organic matter-rich soils. It blooms year round in the warm humid tropics. It tolerates cold temperatures but not frost. It is found from 600 to 1,600 m altitude in its natural habitat in Costa Rica.

Yellow flowers are edible (Carle 1995) and have a delightful sour lemony flavour. Flowers can be eaten straight off the plant and are excellent in a salad.