Hellenia lacera

Hellenia lacera
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Costaceae
Genus: Hellenia
Species:
H. lacera
Binomial name
Hellenia lacera
(Gagnep.) Govaerts
Synonyms
  • Cheilocostus lacerus (Gagnep.) C.D.Specht
  • Costus lacerus Gagnep.

Hellenia lacera is a species of flowering plant in the Costaceae family. It was first described by François Gagnepain. Its native range is Nepal to China.[1] It is also cultivated as an ornamental.[2]

Hellenia lacera is similar in appearance to Hellenia speciosa (formerly Cheilocostus speciosus),[3][2] and they can grow together in the same habitats.[4] However, rather than a stem which spirals as it grows, Hellenia lacera generally has a straight, upright stem.[5]

References

  1. ^ "Hellenia lacera (Gagnep.) Govaerts". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2026. Retrieved 2026-03-07.
  2. ^ a b "Cheilocostus lacerus 'Red Stem'". Flora & Fauna Web. Retrieved 2026-03-07.
  3. ^ Skinner, Dave. "Hellenia lacera". GingersRus. Retrieved 2026-03-07.
  4. ^ "3. Costus lacerus Gagnep.wfo-0000363111". e-Flora of Thailand. Retrieved 2026-03-07.
  5. ^ Saensouk, Piyaporn; Appamaraka, Sombat; Boonma, Thawatphong; Niamngon, Pimtida; Niamngon, Tawanon; Ragsasilp, Areerat; Rakarcha, Sarayut. "Diversity, traditional uses, chromosome number, pollen, and leaf anatomy of the genus Hellenia in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand". Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology: 1–19. doi:10.35495/ajab.2024.216.