It belongs to the order Zingiberales, which contains horticulturally and economically important plants such as the banana (Musaceae), bird-of-paradise (Strelitziaceae), and edible ginger (Zingiberaceae).

[citation needed] The simple leaves are entire and spirally arranged, with those toward the base of the stem usually bladeless.

The fused infertile stamens form a large petaloid labellum that often functions to attract pollinators.

Zingiberaceae Costaceae Cannaceae Marantaceae Lowiaceae Strelitziaceae Heliconiaceae Musaceae Phylogenetic tree of the family.

[citation needed] Monocostus Dimerocostus Chamaecostus Tapeinochilos Hellenia Cheilocostus Paracostus Costus