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Woodland; cultivated Lilayi
The vertical rhizome can reach over 30cm in length and 2.5cm wide but are brittle and easily broken
Apr 2012
Photo: Nick Wightman
Woodland; cultivated Lilayi
Developing rhizomes adapt to obstacles during growth and can become misshapen
May 2015
Photo: Nick Wightman
Hysteranthous form Flower
Miombo woodland
Dabuyu Farms, Lilayi, Lusaka District, Lusaka
Dec 2015
Photo: Nick Wightman
Hysteranthous form Flower
Miombo woodland
Dabuyu Farms, Lilayi, Lusaka District, Lusaka
Dec 2011
Photo: Nick Wightman
Synanthous form Flower
Miombo woodland
Dabuyu Farms, Lilayi, Lusaka District, Lusaka
Oct 2015
Photo: Nick Wightman
Synanthous form Flower
Miombo woodland
Dabuyu Farms, Lilayi, Lusaka District, Lusaka
Oct 2015
Photo: Nick Wightman
Fruit & seeds
Miombo woodland
Dabuyu Farms, Lilayi, Lusaka District, Lusaka
Feb 2021
Photo: Nick Wightman
Costus spectabilis vs. C. macranthus flower size comparison 1
Miombo woodland/Termitaria
Dabuyu Farms, Lilayi, Lusaka Distr.
Nov 2020
Photo: Nick Wightman
Costus spectabilis vs. C. macranthus flower size comparison 2
Miombo woodland/Termitaria
Dabuyu Farms, Lilayi, Lusaka Distr.
Nov 2020
Photo: Nick Wightman
Synonyms: | |
Common names: | |
Frequency: | |
Status: | Native |
Description: |
Low perennial herb. Leaves 4, somewhat fleshy, flat against the ground in a basal rosette, broadly obovate-spathulate, up to c. 12 × 12 cm, hairless above, pubescent below, particularly on the midrib; margin entire, often edged purple-pink. Inflorescence terminal, arising from the centre of the rosette. Flowers showy, yellow, opening one at the time. |
Type location: |
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Notes: | |
Derivation of specific name: | spectabilis: noteworthy, spectacular |
Habitat: | In wooded grassland and deciduous woodland, often near termite mounds or among rocks |
Altitude range: (metres) | |
Flowering time: | |
Worldwide distribution: | Widespread from Sierra Leone to Sudan and South to Angola and Zimbabwe |
National distribution: | N,E |
Growth form(s): | |
Endemic status: | |
Red data list status: | |
Insects associated with this species: | |
Spot characters: | Display spot characters for this species |
Images last updated: | Tuesday 16 June 2009 |
Literature: |
Baumann, G. (2005). Photographic Guide to Wildflowers of Malawi Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi Pages 238 - 239. (Includes a picture). Da Silva, M.C., Izidine, S. & Amude, A.B. (2004). A preliminary checklist of the vascular plants of Mozambique. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 30 Sabonet, Pretoria Page 122. Lock, J.M. & Diniz, M.A. (2010). Costaceae Flora Zambesiaca 13(4) Pages 115 - 117. (Includes a picture). Mapaura, A. & Timberlake, J. (eds) (2004). A checklist of Zimbabwean vascular plants Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 33 Sabonet, Pretoria and Harare Page 112. Moriarty, A. (1975). Wild Flowers of Malawi Purnell & sons Cape Town. Pages 35 - 36. (Includes a picture). Phiri, P.S.M. (2005). A Checklist of Zambian Vascular Plants Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 32 Page 108. |
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