Eighteen new species of Neotropical Costaceae (Zingiberales)

Abstract

In preparation for a full taxonomic revision of the Neotropical genera of Costaceae (i.e.,Chamaecostus,Costus,Dimerocostus, andMonocostus), we present the description of 17 new species of NeotropicalCostusand one new species of the Neotropic endemic genusChamaecostuswith notes on their distribution and ecology, vernacular names (when known), and diagnostic characters for identification. Distribution maps are included for all species, and each description is accompanied by photographic plates illustrating diagnostic characters.