Costus barbatus is incorrectly called Costus barbados quite frequently. That would be my guess as to what you saw.

Thank you! I think you're right.

You should be able to tell pretty quickly if it is a Costus (vs. a ginger). If the leaves and stem are curved or in a spiral staircase pattern its a Costus. If the stem is straight and the leaves are arranged like a normal plant then it is a ginger (or just smell the crushed leaves, if it is scented its a ginger).

-Kyle

Yes, almost positive you saw a misspelling of Costus Barbatus. Jewell /La. MG