Description
In southern India, it usually grows as an ornamental plant and its leaves are used as a dietary supplement in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Plants in this genus are related to true gingers (Zingiber) and other so-called gingers (Alpinia, Hedychium), and like them have eshy rhizomes and stems bearing large leaves.In Costus, the leaves are spirally arranged around the stem.
Flowers emerge from a tight, conelike cluster of colored bracts at stem ends in summer and fall.Plant Specifications
| Common Name | fiery costus, Step ladder or Spiral flag or Insulin plant, crape ginger, kebu, keu |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 10 ft |
| Flower Colour | white |
| Bloom Time | October to December. |
| Difficulty Level | easy to grow |
Planting and care
Start with pruning shears for smaller growth. Use loppers, which look like giant, long-handle shears, for growth that is more than half an inch thick. A small pruning saw is handy, as it cuts on both the push and the pull.
Spiral Flag care
Plants have sprawling, mounding habit. Native to the tropical forest, they prefer light shade but can stand full sun if roots are shaded. Use around foundation or near patio or pool; can also be grown in large pots. Plants are dormant in winter and need little water at that time. Provide a winter mulch.
| Sunlight | Partial Shade |
| Watering | Ample Water |
| Soil | well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 25F. |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Spiral Flag special feature
Sep 17, 2005 - Botanical name: Cheilocostus speciosus Family: Costaceae (Spiral ... It is a tall and dramatic landscape plant with large dark green leaves
Spiral Flag uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- It is used as an herbal cure for diabetes
- Best used for Fevers, Cough, Skin Diseases
- it has been proven to possess various pharmacological activities like hypolipidemic, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-cancerous
Culinary Use:
- The species reproduces vegetatively by rhizome, and birds disperse the seeds when they feed on the fruits