Saussurea costus
English: Kur; Seemakottom.
Synonym: Aucklandia lappa; Saussurea lappa; Saussurea lappa; Saussurea vladimirus.
Indian: Kuth; Kust; Kushta; Qust-e-shereen; Patchak.
Chinese: Costus; Mu Xiang.
Use: Chinese and Indian herbal healing; aromatherapy.
Botany: perennial plant that grows to about 6 ft (2 m) in height. It is native to northern India and Pakistan. This plant is also cultivated in other parts of India and in southwest China. The long, tapering root is harvested and dried for healing.
DD, intechangeable: Saussurea lappa; Saussurea vladimirus.
Local names: Kuth; kust; kushta; Qust-e-shereen; Patchak.
Use: cosmetics, shampoo, hair dye; fragrance, perfumes; flavor for drinks, sweets.
Literature
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0000/ai_2603000013