Musaceae (banana family)

Two genera (Ensete and Musa) and 35 species, with one species, Ensete ventricosum, native to southern Africa and three species of Musa cultivated in the region, including Musa acuminata (Banana, Plantain).

Heliconiaceae

One genus (Heliconia) containing anything from 100 to 200 species (mainly tropical America, a few in Southeat Asia and the Pacific). About five species of Heliconia have been recorded as being cultivated in southern Africa.

Strelitziaceae (Crane flower family)

Three genera and seven species (tropical South America, southern Africa and Madagascar), with one genus (Strelitzia) and five species native to southern Africa . In addition, Ravenala madagascariensis (Traveller's palm), which is native to Madagascar, is cultivated in southern Africa.

Cannaceae

One genus (Canna) and about 19 species (New World tropics), with three species cultivated in southern Africa.

Marantaceae

There are 31 genera and 550 species (tropics and subtropics, mainly American), none of which is native to southern Africa. Five genera and nine species have been recorded as being cultivated in southern Africa.

Costaceae

Six genera and 110 speces (pantropical), none of which is native to southern Africa. However, Costas afer and Costas malorteianus are cultivated in the region.

Zingiberaceae (ginger family)

About 52 genera and 1200 species worldwide, of which one genus and two species native to southern Africa and two genera and four species are naturalised. An additional five genera and 12 species are cultivated in the region.

About 52 genera and 1200 species worldwide, with three genera and nine species native to southern Africa and two genera and four species that are naturalised. An additional five genera and 12 species are cultivated in the region.