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Costus pulverulentus
Species of plant From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Costus pulverulentus, the red cigar or spiral ginger (a name it shares with other members of its family), is a species of flowering plant in the family Costaceae.[2] It is native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador, and it has been introduced to Cuba and Florida.[1][3] It is invasive in Hawaii.[4]
A rhizomatous perennial reaching 4 to 6 ft (1.2 to 1.8 m), Costus pulverulentus is typically found in wet tropical areas.[2] It is used as an ornamental, and there are cultivars, including 'Serena', 'Pink Lips', and 'Purple Passion'.[2][5][4]
Costus pulverulentus has a number of traditional medicinal applications. Ngäbe curanderos in Panama sell it to women suffering from pain after giving birth.[6] In Ecuador, Costus pulverulentus is traditionally macerated and placed on snakebites by members of the Tsáchila people.[7] In Tlanchinol, Hidalgo, Mexico, a Costus pulverulentus infusion is made for people afflicted with kidney problems and fever.[8]
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References
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