Costus pictus ‘Red Stem’ – This cultivar of Costus pictus is widely grown around the world but is poorly known in the US compared to its sibling. It has a very different look than ‘Heiroglyphics’ due to its attractive sold red stems, much wider leaves, and habit of only blooming on top of leafy stems. It is equally hardy and a bit faster to spread. Grows 4-6 feet in medium sun. Hardy in Zone 8 and above.
Sometimes referred to as the ‘insulin plant’ and cultivated for medicinal use in central America and some Caribbean islands, as well as India. In India some research has been done on its possible benefit to diabetics. Unfortunately the initial research misidentified the subject as Costus igneus. Costus igneus is a synonym and was not even widely used at the time. The name Costus cuspidatus was the accepted name, but now has been transferred to the new genus Chamaecostus. Chamaecostus cuspidatus photos were actually included on the research of Costus pictus! Any interested in the research should search under Costus pictus as well as Costus igneus to find the relevant research.