costus speciosus

​​​Costus speciosus or Crepe Ginger is a native rhizomatous herb that can grow to 3 m in height. Leaves are oblong to lance-shaped, arranged spirally along the reddish slender stems. The flowering spike is dark red, round, each flower is white, funnel-like with a yellow centre emerge from between the bracts. The long slender stems produced make Crepe Ginger a suitable screening and border plant. Along with its biodiversity-attracting flowers, this plant can be found easily in parks and gardens.

Taxonomy:

• Family : Costaceae

Common Names:

• Malay : Tawar-tawar, Dawar-dawar
• English : Crepe ginger

Habitat and Distribution:
Costus speciosus thrives in tropical region. The origin is Indo-Malesia . It is native to Tropical and Sub-Tropical Asia to NE. Queensland.

Uses:

• Food (Fruit or Vegetable) : Parts of the plant are consumed in rural communities of South East Asia and India. In Sarawak, young tender shoots are stir-fried with anchovies and fermented shrimp paste known as Belachan.
• Flowers : Flowers are edible, often used in salads or added as garnish, rhizomes are cooked in curries or used to make syrups. One report states that the rhizomes are bitter and astringent.​