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Costus family
Costaceae
コスタス科
Formerly included in Zingiberaceae but separated as an independent family under the APG system. Distinguished by the unique morphology of leaves spiraling up the stem. Distributed in tropical America, Africa, and Asia, bearing showy flowers in large spike inflorescences.
Key Characteristics
- ●Leaves arranged spirally around the stem (key distinction from Zingiberaceae)
- ●Possesses rhizomes; aroma is weaker than in Zingiberaceae
- ●Flowers with a well-developed labellum (lip)
- ●Bracts are tough, forming globose to cylindrical inflorescences
Morphological Traits
A family may include species with different trait values — multiple values indicate the range within the family.
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate
Leaf margin
Entire
Growth form
Herb
Evergreen/Deciduous
Deciduous
Leaf dissection
Undivided
Aromatic
None
Flower symmetry
Zygomorphic
Petal count
6 petals
Ovary position
Inferior
Stamen count
3-4
Plant sex
Hermaphrodite
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Monocots > Zingiberales > Costaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene
Representative Genera
Related Evolution Events
- ・Phylogenetic divergence from Zingiberaceae and independent evolution of spiral phyllotaxis
- ・Adaptive radiation into tropical forest edges and understories
Plants in Costus family on this site
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