Wildflower of the valley
Costus
Saussurea costus
- How easy to find
- Very rare — you need to search for it — local knowledge helps
- Flower size
- Medium
- Family
- Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
- Local name
- Koot, Kuth or Kushta
- Type
- Herb
- Height
- 2.5 m
- Altitude
- 3200–4200 m
- Flower colour
- green
- Flowering
- June to September
- Status
- Critically Endangered
About Costus
Saussurea costus is a herb of height 2.5 m. Basal leaves are up to 40 cm across and pinnately large. Flowers have purple heads.
Where to find it
- Near the entrance of the valley
- Around Hemkund Sahib
Habitat
In alpine meadows and this plant is commonly cultivated in the area.
Uses & folklore
In Ayurveda roots are used to treat cramps, mental diseases, headache and snake poisoning. In China 50 Fundamental herbs are used in their system of medicine. In Tibetan medicine it is used to treat swellings, irregular menstruation, stomachache and breathing troubles, rheumatism.
What the name means
Saussurea: honours H.-B. de Saussure; costus derives from ancient Sanskrit kushtha, the traditional name of this valuable medicinal root.
More photos
Discover the beauty of Saussurea Costus, a flower admired for its resilience and unique floral patterns in wild alpine meadows. 
Saussurea Costus adds a magical touch to natural parks and trails, making it a perfect find for floral explorers and photographers alike.
