Scientific name: Costus speciosus
Common Names: Guang Shang Lu, Shui Tuo Hua, Liu Head, White Stalagmite, Mountain Winter Shoots, Sugar Cane-like
Family & Genus: Zingiberaceae (Ginger family), also known as the Closed Sheath Ginger
Category: Perennial Herb
Morphological Characteristics:
Costus speciosus is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1-3 meters tall. The base of the plant is woody, while the top often branches out. Its leaves are arranged in an "S" shaped spiral, measuring 15–20 cm long and 6–10 cm wide, with pointed tips. The leaves are densely packed and have a smooth texture.
The inflorescence is terminal, elliptical or ovate, ranging from 5–15 cm in length. The bracts are ovate, leathery, and red, measuring about 2 cm long, with a hairy surface and a thickened, sharp tip. The bracteoles are 1.2–1.5 cm long and pale red. The calyx is leathery, red, and 1.8–2 cm long, with three lobes and a hairy texture when young. The corolla tube is short, about 1 cm long, with oblong-ovate lobes that are approximately 5 cm in length, white with a red tip.
The flower has a wide horn-shaped structure, pure white, 6.5–9 cm long, with cracked teeth and corrugated edges at the tip. The stamens are petal-like, about 4.5 cm long and 1.3 cm wide, hairy on top, and white with an orange base. The fruits are slightly woody, 1.3 cm long, and red. The seeds are black, shiny, and 2 mm long. Flowering occurs from July to October, and fruiting takes place in November.
This species belongs to the genus Costus, including varieties like C. tonkinensis.
Origin & Distribution:
Native to Taiwan, where it thrives best. It is also found in southern China, including Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan, as well as in Southeast Asia and South Asia.
Growth Habits:
Closed sheath ginger prefers warm and moist environments. It grows naturally in sparse forests, valleys, wetlands, roadside grasslands, hill slopes, and ditches. It adapts well to wild conditions.
This plant has strong adaptability to various soil types, with deep and extensive root systems that allow it to absorb nutrients efficiently from the top 10–30 cm of soil. It requires well-drained, fertile loam or sandy loam with sufficient water supply. It is a thermophile, thriving best in temperatures between 20–30°C. In southern China, it can be grown year-round, except for a semi-dormant state in winter.
It has good cold resistance, tolerating temperatures above 0°C. Frost will damage the above-ground parts, but the rhizome can regrow the following spring, even in areas like Beijing. While it can survive temperatures above 35°C, its growth slows down significantly. Autumn is the optimal season for flowering.
Production practices show that this plant has high adaptability, a long growing season, and produces a large quantity of fresh cut flowers.
Usage:
Mainly used for fresh cut flowers, dried flowers, and garden landscaping. It can produce up to 15,000–20,000 acres of fresh cut flowers annually, with a vase life of 15–20 days. Due to its unique red, leathery spikes, it is ideal for making dried flowers and is a popular choice for floral arrangements.
It is commonly planted in gardens, parks, and flower beds, where it looks elegant and lush after blooming.
Medicinal Use:
The rhizome of Costus speciosus is used in traditional medicine. It is harvested throughout the year, but it's best to collect it at the end of autumn. After washing and steaming, it is dried for use.
Taste & Properties: Pungent, sour, slightly cold. Contains mild toxicity.
Indications:
Used for reducing swelling, detoxification, and relieving itching. It helps treat whooping cough, nephritis edema, urinary tract infections, cirrhosis, ascites, and poor urination. Topically, it can be used for hives, sore throat, and ear infections.
Dosage: 2–5 qian (a traditional Chinese unit). For external use, apply by washing with Jianshui or crushing fresh material and applying directly to the affected area.
Note: Not recommended for pregnant women or those with weak constitutions.
Warning: Overdose or internal use of fresh plant may cause poisoning, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea. If this occurs, give cold porridge or use 2–5 qian of licorice, boiled in water.
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