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Project Noah Nature School
Costus spicatus and C. Ruber
Spiral Flag is a succulent, ginger-like plant. It has large, lush leaves that are arranged in spirals around stems that rise from underground rootstocks. Bracted, conelike inflorescences appear at the tip of the stems.
Certain species of spiral flag are native to Central and South America. In Costa Rica, spiral flag plants grow in moist, shady areas from low to mid elevations.
The stems of these plants are used to make an aqueous solution for treating kidney ailments, skin disorders, and eye problems. (All info written here is from Ed Bernhardt's book called Medicinal Plants of Costa Rica) The picture is mine.
Spotted on Sep 3, 2011
Submitted on Sep 14, 2011
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