Zingiberaceae

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Zingiberaceae

Zingiberaceae (pronounced zin-ji-be-ra-ce-ae) is a family of flowering plants that are commonly known as the ginger family. The family is large, containing approximately 50 genera and more than 1600 known species.

Etymology

The name Zingiberaceae is derived from the genus Zingiber, which is the type genus of this family. The word Zingiber is derived from the Sanskrit word singabera, meaning "shaped like a horn", in reference to the shape of the ginger root.

Description

Members of the Zingiberaceae family are tropical perennial plants with aromatic, creeping rhizomes. The leaves are typically lanceolate, and the flowers are often brightly colored and showy. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous seeds.

Genera

Some of the notable genera in the Zingiberaceae family include:

  • Zingiber - The type genus, which includes the culinary ginger.
  • Curcuma - Includes turmeric and other medicinal and culinary species.
  • Alpinia - A large genus of tropical and subtropical species.
  • Elettaria - Includes the cardamom plant.

Uses

Many species in the Zingiberaceae family have significant economic importance. The roots of some species, such as Zingiber officinale (ginger), are used as spices. Other species, like Curcuma longa (turmeric), are used for their medicinal properties. Some species are also used as ornamental plants.

Related Terms

  • Rhizome - A type of stem that grows horizontally underground. Many Zingiberaceae species have rhizomes.
  • Perennial plant - A plant that lives for more than two years. Most Zingiberaceae species are perennials.
  • Capsule (fruit) - A type of dry fruit that splits open at maturity to release the seeds. Many Zingiberaceae species produce capsules.

External links

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