PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Costus woodsonii
Red Button Ginger
Maas
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An upright, clump-forming tropical perennial herbaceous plant. It is characterized by its spirally arranged, smooth, dark green leaves and distinctive, tightly packed, cone-like inflorescences composed of bright red bracts. Small, tubular yellow or orange flowers emerge one at a time from these red buttons.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Liliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Zingiberales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Costaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Costus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Maas
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the humid lowlands, forest edges, and coastal thickets of Central America and northern South America. It thrives in warm, tropical climates under full sun to partial shade, preferring moist, organic-rich, well-draining soils.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It participates in an evolutionary mutualism with aggressive ants. The ants feed on the extrafloral nectar produced on the red button spike and, in return, protect the plant's flowers from destructive larvae and herbivorous insects.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
100.0 - 200.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The unique spiral growth habit of the leaves around the stem prevents upper leaves from completely shading lower ones, maximizing sunlight capture in competitive understory environments.
Possesses robust, fleshy underground rhizomes that store water and vital nutrients, allowing the plant to rapidly regenerate stems after mild droughts or physical damage.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Urban development and habitat loss along coastal plains and natural forest margins, though its global population is secured through widespread horticultural use.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The waxy, tightly overlapping red bracts of the inflorescence secrete a sweet nectar from specialized extrafloral nectaries that actively recruits ant colonies for defense.