Wildflower of the valley
Costus
Saussurea gossypiphora
- How easy to find
- Very rare — you need to search for it — local knowledge helps
- Flower size
- Large
- Family
- Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
- Local name
- Phen Kamal, Pheni Kamal, Kapasi.
- Type
- Herb
- Height
- 30 cm
- Flower colour
- white
- Flowering
- June to September
About Costus
Saussurea gossypiphora is a herb of height 30 cm. These herbs are densely clothed and have elongated white hairs. The plant has globular shape. Leaves are embedded in dense white wool and distantly toothed at the margins. Flowers head are with purple florets and almost dipped in cottony wool.
Where to find it
- Around Hemkund Sahib
Habitat
Alpine meadows and at open slopes of Hemkund.
Uses & folklore
Plant is considered as a sacred plant. Locally the wool of this flower is used for the treatment of cuts and wounds. The plant is also used for the treatment of asthma, rheumatism, skin diseases and bronchitis.
What the name means
Saussurea honours H.-B. de Saussure; gossypiphora means "cotton-bearing", after the woolly bracts (Greek gossypion = cotton).
Don't confuse it with
Saussurea obvallata (sno 9) has papery pale bracts enclosing the flowerhead; S. simpsoniana (sno 37) and S. costus (sno 76) look markedly different.
More photos
Saussurea Gossypiphora is a rare botanical gem flourishing in high-altitude terrains, drawing attention for its exotic shape and ecological… 
Discover the beauty of Saussurea Gossypiphora, a flower admired for its resilience and unique floral patterns in wild alpine meadows.
