Costus guanaiensis

Native to Belize, Bolivia, northern Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Ecuador and nearby regions, this is an herbaceous plant in the Costaceae family. It grows in rainforest. It has established itself primarily in regions like Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia, thriving in the warm, humid conditions these areas offer. The plant typically grows to heights ranging from 5 to 7 feet. The juice in the stem and the flower are edible. Photographed in the department of Bolivar, Colombia.