Spiral Ginger (Costus afer)

Family: Costaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Spiral ginger or Ginger Lily (Costus afer) is a tropical perennial herb known as a medicinal plant in tropical Africa. Different plant parts are used in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses or conditions such as cough, nausea, arthritis, sore throat, epileptic attacks, worms and haemorrhoids, jaundice, urethral discharges, venereal diseases, colic, tachycardia, stomach discomforts, malaria, eye conditions, diarrhoea, and leprosy.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring. — The rhizome is occasionally used as a spice or flavouring.

Habitat & North American Range

The shaded floor of the rainforest or lowland secondary forest. Moist localities in forest and forest edges, at elevations up to 1400 metres. (Zone 10)