Heliconiaceae

Heliconiaceae is a family containing single genus Heliconia with 100-250 species. Most occur in tropical America but a few species occur on islands in the Pacific. Plants are rhizomatous with a pronounced pseudostem and broad leaves. Size of plants vary depending on species and could range from approximately 30 cm to several meters tall. Two basic types of inflorescences developed during the evolution of these plants: the upright and pendant forms. Pollination is either by birds (the Americas) or bats (Pacific). Bird pollinated flowers tend to have very brightly colored bracts whereas bat pollinated flowers tend to be rather dull, often times a light shade of green.

We have the genus Heliconia represented on the wiki.


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