''Costus dubius'' is a

species In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...

of plant native to Tropical Africa.

Description

''Costus dubius'' has underground rhizomes which produce leafy stems and inflorescences on separate stalks. The round inflorescences have green bracts; each bract produces a single white flower with a yellow-centered labellum. ''Costus dubius'' produces many seeds. ''Costus dubius'' is sometimes confused with several other African species of ''Costus'', such as ''

Costus afer ''Costus afer'', English ginger lily or common ginger lily, is a species of plant native to Tropical Africa. ''Costus afer'' is widely cultivated. It has many traditional uses, including but not limited to treating a range of medical ailments. ...

'' and '' Costus dinklagei''. ''Costus dubius'' is the only African species of ''Costus'' capable of self-pollination.

Range

''Costus dubius'' has a wide native range and can be found throughout tropical Africa. ''Costus dubius'' has been introduced to several places in which it has become naturalized or invasive including: * Queensland, Australia * Java, Indonesia * Hawaii, U.S.A.

Habitat

In its native Africa, ''Costus dubius'' is found in many different types of forest, as well as along rivers and roads and in plantations. ''Costus dubius'' prefers wet tropical biomes and does not appear to survive in the subtropics.

External links

- Website contains photographs showing different features of ''Costus dubius''

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q15325832 Flora of Africa dubius