Costus woodsonii

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Costus woodsonii
Inflorescence
Mass effect
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Costaceae
Genus: Costus
Species:
C. woodsonii
Binomial name
Costus woodsonii

Costus woodsonii, the red button ginger or scarlet spiral flag, is a species of flowering plant in the family Costaceae, native to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia.[2][3] A rhizomatous geophytic perennial, it is recommended for coastal gardens, borders, containers, and general wet, tropical garden applications.[3]

The inflorescence of C. woodsonii has bracts that produce extrafloral nectar. This nectar attracts ants that interfere with oviposition of herbivores of the plant.[4]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Skinner, D. (2014). "Costus woodsonii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T56349436A56353263. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T56349436A56353263.en. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  2. ^ "Costus woodsonii Maas". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Costus woodsonii Maas". nparks.gov.sg. Flora Fauna Web. 14 October 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  4. ^ Schemske, Douglas W. (1980). "The Evolutionary Significance of Extrafloral Nectar Production by Costus Woodsonii (Zingiberaceae): An Experimental Analysis of Ant Protection". Journal of Ecology. 68 (3): 959–967. doi:10.2307/2259468. ISSN 0022-0477.