Eighteen new species of Neotropical Costaceae (Zingiberales).

In preparation for a full taxonomic revision of the Neotropical genera of Costaceae (i.e., Chamaecostus , Costus , Dimerocostus , and Monocostus ), we present the description of 17 new species of Neotropical Costus and one new species of the Neotropic endemic genus Chamaecostus with notes on their distribution and ecology, vernacular names (when known), and diagnostic characters for identification. Distribution maps are included for all species, and each description is accompanied by photographic plates illustrating diagnostic characters.