This is the Costus maximus K. Schum. form, placed into synonymy with C. laevis. See additional observation at Finca Guayacan for more details. Note that this observation is very near the type locality of C. maximus at Tucurrique, Cartago, Costa Rica. The first photo shows more clearly the sheathing of the inflorescence by the upper leaves and other photos show the massive size and the inflated ligules toward the base of the stems.