Zingiberaceae (Ginger)

The ginger family is a very extensive family with 1,800 plant species. Most grow in shady, moist places where the fog lingers, such as in the tropical rainforest.

Some species can withstand the sun well and grow in open places, usually at a higher altitude. The plants usually give flowers close to the ground, with the exception of the species that grow in open spaces, which often have flowers at the end of the stems. The stems stand proudly and have no branches.

Many plants in the ginger family have edible rhizomes - horizontally growing rhizomes - such as ginger, turmeric and krachai. The ginger family includes spices such as cardamom, mbongo and paradise grain.