Costus curvibracteatus

Costus curvibracteatus is native to Costa Rica and Panama, where it usually grows in the understory of forested montane areas between 700 and 1,900 metres (2,300 and 6,200 ft). The plant can sometimes be found growing as low as 50 m (160 ft). One record exists of the plant being found in the Chocó region of Colombia. The plant is not uncommon in its native habitat and has been classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as being of least concern.

Costus curvibracteatus produces abundant nectar in its tubular florets and is pollinated by hummingbirds. Its seeds, by which it reproduces, are contained within glabrous, ellipsoid capsules, 10 to 17 mm long. Only occasionally cultivated as an ornamental, it can nevertheless be grown successfully in milder climates if kept warm and sheltered in a shady location, with well-watered soil. It also grows well when potted and indoors. The plant can be grown from seeds, by first soaking them, or from cuttings of a mature plant. Costus productus is more common in the ornamental plant trade, but is often incorrectly labelled as C. curvibracteatus.