Description

Red Button Ginger (*Costus woodsonii*) is a tropical, evergreen perennial native to Central and South America. It is renowned for its vibrant red, cone-shaped inflorescences from which yellow-orange flowers emerge sequentially, providing year-round visual interest. The plant typically grows to a height of 1–2 meters (3–6 feet) with lush, dark green, spirally arranged leaves.

🌞💧 Sun and Water Requirements:
- Prefers partial shade to bright indirect light; avoid strong, direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
- Thrives in consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.
- Requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture but should not be waterlogged.

✂️🫘 Methods to Propagate:
- **Division:** The most common method; divide rhizomes during the growing season ensuring each section has viable shoots.
- **Stem Cuttings:** Take 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) stem cuttings with at least one node; root in moist, well-draining medium.

🧑‍🌾👩‍🌾 When to Harvest:
- Harvest young shoots and flowers as needed throughout the year for culinary or medicinal use.

Purpose

Red Button Ginger serves multiple functions in a permaculture system:

- **Edible:** Young shoots and flowers are consumed in various culinary dishes.
- **Medicinal:** Traditionally used to treat ailments such as coughs, colds, and fever.
- **Wildlife Attractor:** Produces extrafloral nectar that attracts ants, which can deter herbivores; also attracts bees and hummingbirds.
- **Erosion Control:** Robust root system helps stabilize soil, reducing erosion.
- **Border Plant:** Used decoratively in garden borders for its aesthetic appeal.
- **Ground Cover:** Dense foliage provides effective ground coverage, suppressing weed growth.