The Yellow Secret: Uncovering The True Story Of Nigeria's National Flower, The Costus Spectabilis

For decades, the vibrant floral emblem at the base of the Nigerian Coat of Arms has quietly represented the nation's beauty and prosperity. As of late 2025, the official national flower is the *Costus spectabilis*, a striking, low-growing herbaceous perennial known by the common name Yellow Trumpet or Yellow Bell. This unassuming yet powerful symbol is a critical part of Nigeria's national identity, embodying the country's rich tropical biodiversity and the aspiration for "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress." However, a deep dive into this national symbol reveals a fascinating and often overlooked story of botanical misrepresentation and obscurity that makes it one of West Africa's most compelling floral emblems. The story of the *Costus spectabilis* is not just one of national pride, but a tale of a native plant that remains surprisingly obscure to many Nigerians, despite its prominent placement. Its inclusion on the national Coat of Arms is a testament to its widespread presence across the country's diverse landscape, symbolizing the nation's unity from the coast to the savanna. This article explores the complete profile of this magnificent plant, its deep-rooted symbolism, the botanical facts that give it topical authority, and the intriguing controversy over its color depiction.

The Botanical Profile and Biography of Costus Spectabilis

The national flower of Nigeria is a member of the ginger family, though it is not a true ginger. It belongs to the genus *Costus* and the family Costaceae. This classification gives it the common name "Spiral Ginger" in some parts of the world, referring to the spiral arrangement of its leaves.

• Scientific Name: Costus spectabilis (Fenzl) K. Schum.
• Family: Costaceae (Spiral Gingers)
• Common Names: Yellow Trumpet, Yellow Bell, Yellow Spiral Ginger, African Spiral Flag.
• Type: Herbaceous perennial.
• Native Habitat: West Africa, specifically found in countries like Sierra Leone, Ghana, Cameroon, and extensively across Nigeria. It thrives in open, often seasonally dry, woodland and savanna environments.
• Flower Characteristics: The flower is a distinctive, bright yellow, trumpet-shaped bloom that emerges directly from the ground on short stems, often before the leaves appear. The flowers are typically solitary or in small clusters.
• Leaf Characteristics: Broad, oval, and spirally arranged, contributing to the "Spiral Ginger" moniker.
• Symbolism: Officially symbolizes the beauty of the nation, its uniqueness, and prosperity.
• Status: Officially recognized as the national flower and featured on the Nigerian Coat of Arms.

This perennial herb is not just a pretty face; it is a resilient plant that flourishes across the country's varied ecosystems, from the humid southern regions to the drier northern states. Its ability to thrive in diverse Nigerian climates further solidifies its status as a symbol of national resilience and widespread natural heritage.

Symbolism and Its Place on the Nigerian Coat of Arms

The national symbols of Nigeria were carefully chosen to reflect the nation's aspirations and characteristics. The *Costus spectabilis* is not an isolated emblem; it is an integral part of the country's most powerful visual representation: the Coat of Arms. The Coat of Arms of Nigeria, adopted in 1975, is rich with meaning. It features a black shield symbolizing the fertile Nigerian soil, supported by two white horses representing dignity. An eagle atop the shield signifies strength and the national vision. The white pall (a Y-shape) on the shield represents the confluence of the nation's two major rivers, the River Niger and the River Benue, meeting at Lokoja. At the very base, standing on a grassy field, is the *Costus spectabilis*, which is the foundation of the entire structure. The placement of the Yellow Trumpet at the base is highly symbolic. It signifies the agricultural richness and natural beauty of the land upon which the nation is built. The official motto of Nigeria, "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress," is inscribed on a banderole wrapped around the base, linking the flower directly to the country's core values. The flower’s symbolism of beauty and prosperity is meant to inspire citizens to appreciate the nation's natural resources and strive for economic growth.

The Controversy of Color: Yellow Flower, Red Depiction

One of the most intriguing aspects of Nigeria's national flower is the subtle yet significant controversy surrounding its depiction. The *Costus spectabilis* is unequivocally a yellow flower, hence its common names Yellow Trumpet and Yellow Bell. However, a close examination of many official and unofficial versions of the Nigerian Coat of Arms reveals a glaring discrepancy: the flowers at the base are often colored red. This color change is a point of contention among vexillologists and botanists. The misrepresentation of the natural color has led to the plant being described by some as "obscure, threatened and misrepresented" in the context of its national status. The reasons for this shift are not officially documented, but theories suggest it may be:

• A Design Choice: Red is a more vibrant and striking color in heraldry, potentially chosen to contrast more sharply with the green grassy field and the black shield.
• Confusion with Other Species: There are other red-flowering *Costus* species in West Africa, though *C. spectabilis* is the one explicitly named as the national symbol.
• Simple Artistic Error: The original designer may have simply chosen a color that was not botanically accurate, and the error was perpetuated through subsequent official reproductions.

Regardless of the cause, the yellow flower's red depiction on the national emblem serves as a powerful reminder that even the most official symbols can hold hidden contradictions. It highlights the importance of citizens understanding the true botanical identity of their national plant. The true *Costus spectabilis* is a brilliant, sunny yellow, a color that perfectly reflects the optimism and warmth of the Nigerian people.

Beyond Symbolism: Traditional and Medicinal Uses

The significance of the *Costus spectabilis* extends far beyond its symbolic role in state heraldry. Like many plants native to the Costaceae family, it has a history of traditional and medicinal uses across West Africa, contributing to its topical authority as a plant of cultural importance. While research is ongoing, various parts of the *Costus* genus have been incorporated into traditional medicine practices. For instance, in Tanzania, the juice extracted from the stem of the *Costus spectabilis* is traditionally used to treat worm infections. Furthermore, some species in the family are known to have edible leaves, which are harvested from the wild for local consumption. Other related species, such as *Costus afer* (Bush Cane or Ginger Lily), are widely used in Nigerian traditional medicine to treat conditions like diabetes, fever, and inflammation, suggesting a long-standing cultural appreciation for the entire genus. The national flower, therefore, is not merely an ornamental symbol of beauty; it is a plant of utility and heritage, deeply woven into the fabric of daily life and traditional knowledge in Nigeria.

The Enduring Legacy of the Yellow Trumpet

The *Costus spectabilis* stands as a symbol of Nigeria's natural splendor and its enduring spirit. It is a floral emblem that is both ubiquitous in the Nigerian landscape and yet surprisingly misunderstood in its official representation. The Yellow Trumpet embodies the nation's desire for prosperity and its rootedness in the rich, fertile soil symbolized by the black shield. By understanding the true botanical nature of this plant—its bright yellow color, its resilience as an herbaceous perennial, and its cultural significance in traditional medicine—Nigerians and the world can appreciate the full depth of this national symbol. The next time you see the Nigerian Coat of Arms, remember the Yellow Trumpet, the *Costus spectabilis*, and the beautiful, complex story it tells about the Giant of Africa.

Detail Author:

• Name : Leilani Farrell
• Username : csmith
• Email : schinner.ova@gmail.com
• Birthdate : 1995-04-05
• Address : 917 Reinger Park Suite 767 Powlowskiview, NM 16293
• Phone : 352.597.3308
• Company : Murazik, Paucek and Hintz
• Job : Recreational Therapist
• Bio : Eaque modi ad totam sunt tenetur qui corporis. Temporibus eius saepe sunt ex. Ipsa ullam deserunt ut iure aliquam. Sint quisquam sapiente numquam commodi soluta.

Socials

tiktok:

• url : https://tiktok.com/@einar.rodriguez
• username : einar.rodriguez
• bio : Veniam distinctio et reiciendis modi magni eaque.
• followers : 4044
• following : 1667

instagram:

• url : https://instagram.com/einar_rodriguez
• username : einar_rodriguez
• bio : Et dicta delectus nostrum tempore qui sed. Harum magnam dolor quo provident.
• followers : 2020
• following : 1211