Zingiberales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Zingiberales Temporal range: Late Cretaceous - Recent
Alpinia zerumbet
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
(unranked):	Commelinids
Order:	Zingiberales Griseb.

Zingiberales is a group of flowering plants. Scientists have known about this plant group for many years. It includes many plants you might know. Think of ginger, cardamom, and turmeric. These come from the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Also, bananas and plantains are part of this group. They belong to the banana family. Another plant in this group is arrowroot, from the arrowroot family.

What are Zingiberales?

Zingiberales is a large group of plants. They are all flowering plants. These plants are found mostly in warm, tropical areas. They often have big leaves and bright flowers. Many of them are important for food or spices.

Key Features of Zingiberales

Plants in the Zingiberales group share some special features. They are usually large plants. Their leaves often grow in two rows. The flowers are also unique. They often have parts that look like petals but are actually modified leaves. These are called bracts.

How Zingiberales Grow

Most Zingiberales plants grow from underground stems. These stems are called rhizomes. Ginger and turmeric are good examples. New shoots grow up from these rhizomes. This helps the plants spread easily.

Families in the Zingiberales Order

The Zingiberales order includes eight main plant families. Each family has its own unique plants.

• Zingiberaceae (Ginger family): This family includes ginger, turmeric, and cardamom. These plants are famous for their spicy roots. They are used in cooking and traditional medicine.
• Musaceae (Banana family): This family gives us bananas and plantains. These are some of the most popular fruits in the world. Banana plants are actually giant herbs, not trees.
• Marantaceae (Arrowroot family): Arrowroot is a well-known plant from this family. Its roots are used to make a type of starch. This starch is often used in cooking.
• Strelitziaceae (Bird of Paradise family): This family includes the beautiful bird of paradise flower. Its flowers look like a colorful bird.
• Heliconiaceae (Heliconia family): Heliconias are known for their bright, showy flowers. They are often grown as ornamental plants.
• Costaceae (Spiral Ginger family): These plants are similar to true gingers. They often have stems that twist in a spiral.
• Cannaceae (Canna family): Cannas are popular garden plants. They have large leaves and colorful flowers.
• Lowiaceae (Orchidantha family): This is a smaller family. Its plants are less common but still part of this order.

Importance of Zingiberales

Many plants from the Zingiberales order are very important to people.

• Food and Spices: Bananas are a major food source globally. Ginger, turmeric, and cardamom are essential spices. They add flavor to many dishes.
• Medicine: Some plants, like ginger, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are believed to help with various health issues.
• Ornamental Plants: Many plants, such as the bird of paradise and heliconias, are grown for their beauty. They make gardens and homes look vibrant.

Where Zingiberales Live

Most Zingiberales plants live in tropical and subtropical regions. This means they like warm, humid climates. You can find them in places like Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. They often grow in rainforests or other wet areas.

See also

In Spanish: Zingiberales para niños