Collection: Zingiberaceae (Ginger)

The ginger family is a very large one, with 1,800 plant species. Most grow in shady, moist places where mist lingers, such as in tropical rainforests.

Some species are well-tolerant of sunlight and grow in open spaces, usually at higher altitudes. The plants usually produce flowers close to the ground, with the exception of those that grow in open spaces, which generally have flowers at the ends of the stems. The stems stand tall and are unbranched.

Many plants in the ginger family have edible rhizomes—horizontally growing rootstocks—such as ginger, turmeric, and krachai. Ginger family members include spices like cardamom, mbongo, and grain of paradise.