Costus erythrophyllus (Ox Blood Costus, Red Wine Costus).

Costus arabicus variegata, Costus amazonicus variegata (Variegated Spiral Ginger).

Some plants have very specialized ants: they form an alliance only with one ant species, that not only get food from the plant but also get a place to nest. Ants protect the developing seeds which are under the bracts from insect enemies.

The plant makes a sugary nectar which is attractive to many different kinds of ants. These plants often have close interactions with ants. Plant produces a short cylindrical red cone with red-orange flowers emerging one at a time, long lasting and used as a cut flower. Leaves are about a foot long and about 4 inches wide. Costus spicatus will grow in the sun if kept moist. Sometimes Costus are still listed with other gingers in family Zingiberaceae, but generally they are accepted classified in a separate plant family, Costaceae, along with Dimerocostus, Monocostus and Tapeinochilos. In fact they are called 'spiral gingers'. Also, if using an offshoot, wash it off and allow it to dry out for a day.Costus spicatus, Alpinia spicata Spiked Spiralflag, Red Button GingerĬostus are easily distinguished from other commonly cultivated gingers because the leaves spiral around the main stem like a circular stairway. Allow the cut ends to dry out for a day, laying flat. Cut away and discard any dark brown or black rhizomes or roots. Ensure each portion has several eyes with roots. Using a sterilized knife, cleanly cut through the root system. Using a hose or faucet, wash away the soil.

Or, if you notice offshoots growing along the plant base, gently separate the shoot from the parent plant. In combination with the garden fork and your hands, gently pull up the rhizomatous root ball it might be growing to a depth of six inches. Or, if the plant is growing in the ground ground, use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the plant. Upend the container to remove the root ball from the container.You will need a potting container, sharp knife, moist potting soil, running water, flat surface, and garden fork (optional, for inground plants).The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.

Costus red button ginger