Fairchild Botanic Garden

Family: Costaceae (Costus)

Distribution: Panama

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Description: Red wine costus is a very rare and delicate species only found in one small area of Panama. Its thick succulent leaves are gray green above and rich red beneath. The stems have very characteristic red "cups" stacked on top of each other. It is more delicate than many Costus and will probably do best as a container plant in a protected spot with regular watering. It may be able to be grown in the ground in a well protected and well-watered area, but it may be sensitive to cold-snaps in winter. Over time it creates a gorgeous clump.