This rhizomatous perennial has upright spiralling stems and forms a dense clump. It has broad lanced-shaped mid green leaves and the small yellowish tube-shaped flowers are arranged in a dense cone-like spike that appears in summer. 

Hardiness zones 10 to 12 

Costus afer is naturally found in west Africa growing in rainforests in well drained organic rich moist soils. It prefers a semi shaded to a sunny wind protected position and requires high humidity and is frost and drought tender. 

Spiral Ginger is grown for its flowers and its clumping habit. It is planted in parks and gardens along borders or around water features for a tropical effect. It is also used as an understorey in a rainforest setting establishing in 2 to 3 years. It requires a hot humid environment and may be grown in a glass house in cold climates. It requires little care once established. ID 2975

Costus (KOAST-us) afer (AF-er)

Zingiberaceae	(ZIN-jee-ber-AY-see-ee)
Ginger Family