This form is the original Costus laevis form as collected in 1787 in Huanuco by Hipolito Ruiz. It was not common in this area but a few plants were seen along the Rio Inambari and Rio San Gabán.

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.