Scarlet Spiral Flag
About the Scarlet Spiral Flag in Singapore
Last updated 31 May 2026
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The Scarlet Spiral Flag (Costus woodsonii), often just called the Red Button Ginger, is an introduced ornamental plant from Central America. It is incredibly popular and widely planted in Singapore's parks, community gardens, and pathways.
Identifying features
Check out some identifying features of the Scarlet Spiral Flag!
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The Scarlet Spiral Flag features distinct, glossy, bright red, bullet-shaped cones sitting proudly right at the tips of its stems. From these red cones, you can spot tiny, tubular yellow or orange true flowers peeking out, usually opening only one or two at a time. The plant is also supported by glossy green leaves that wrap and spiral around the stem, beautifully mimicking the look of a spiral staircase.
Habitat and ecology
Those bright red "buttons" are visual beacons for nectar-feeding birds! You will very frequently see local sunbirds perching on the stems or hovering nearby to probe their curved beaks into the tiny yellow flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is it a type of ginger?
It belongs to the Costaceae family, which is a very close relative to true gingers! You can easily tell them apart by looking at the leaves: the "spiral ginger" family gets its name because its leaves are arranged in a spiral along the stem, whereas true gingers have leaves arranged completely flat in two neat rows.
Learn more about the Scarlet Spiral Flag!
Curious about the Scarlet Spiral Flag? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
