species, is ciliated with fibrous threads; the leaves are generally broad-lanceolate, obtuse, or broader towards 
the apex than the base; equilateral, or ineequilateral, at some times hirsute, or downy, on both sides, at 
others on the upper or under side, and at others on the midrib only. Such is the diversity in this respect 
that the species might be sufficiently characterized solely by the leaves; some of which differ in colour on 
the under side from that of the upper. Their inflorescence is generally terminal, but instances have of 
late appeared of a radical inflorescence, as in C. Maculatus, given in the present work; and it may deserve 
notice that we have since seen the same plant bearing radical and terminal flowers at the same time. In 
some species the spike is imbricated with close bractes, bearing many flowers, opening in succession, in 
others lax, with but few flowers, but of great splendour; there is also a considerable diversity as well in 
the exterior floral bractes as in the conformation and colours of the flowers; which together with the 
particulars before referred to, render the arrangement of the species of this genus a work of less difficulty 
than that of most other Scitaminean plants. 
The Botanic Garden at Liverpool possesses at present upwards of twelve different species of Costus, 
amongst which are fine plants of the Arabicus, Speciosus, Spicatus and others, which have not yet produced 
their flowers with us. 
