Zingiberaceae (Ginger)

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

Some species tolerate sun well and grow in open areas, usually at higher altitudes. The plants usually produce flowers close to the ground, with the exception of the species growing in open areas, which mostly have flowers at the ends of the stems. The stems stand upright and have no branches.

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