This is the original Costus laevis as collected by Hipolito Ruiz in 1787 in department Huanuco, Peru. This species name will likely be split or undergo other major changes in the near future when a revision to Paul Maas' monograph is completed.

UPDATE 26-April-2018

This green bracted form of C. aff. spiralis has been determined to be the original Costus laevis as collected by Hipolito Ruiz. It may be maintained as a separate species or may become a formal variety of Costus spiralis in a future revision to new world Costus.

UPDATE 3-June-2020
As part of the revision to new world Costus, this may be reclassified to C. weberbaueri Loes. which is currently a syn. of C. laevis Ruiz & Pavon.