crepe ginger

Description:

Also known as Malay or spiral ginger, Cheilocostus (Costus) speciosus is native to southeast Asia, New Guinea and many Pacific islands. It is however an introduced invasive on some islands (e.g. the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Hawaii). The species reproduces vegetatively by rhizome and birds disperse seeds when they feed on the fruits. It grows in low lying areas in the forest and is often found along roadside ditches. It is cultivated in India for its medicinal uses and elsewhere as an ornamental. It differs from common ginger by having only one row of spirally arranged leaves.

Habitat:

Growing along a survey transect in coastal mixed lowland equatorial rainforest (freshwater swamp forest/sago swamp).