Native Crepe Ginger
Origin of name
Family: COSTACEAE
- Cheilocostus meaning “lip shaped flower“
- potierae in honour of Potier
Occurrence
NOT a local plant – grows in lowland, tropical rainforest from Tully north. Classed as ‘endangered’ in the Nature Conservation Act (Qld).
Prefers warmth, well-composted and well-drained moist soil, and protection from sun. Can be cut back – in spring, re-shoots from rhizomes. Does well in pots, even indoors.
Appearance
Often multi-stemmed, from underground rhizomes. Stems 1-4m, base can be woody, apex branched and spirally twisted when older. Flowers form at stem tips, in cone-like heads of overlapping red bracts – individual flowers are yellow-cream, about 2cm long.
Birds seen eating fruit include Victoria’s Riflebird & Yellow- spotted Honeyeaters. Various butterflies visit the flowers.
Image coming soon.