Musaceae

Musaceae is a family of flowering plants, consisting of three genera: Musella, Musa and Ensete. This family is native to the tropics of Africa and Asia, and is best known for including the species that produce bananas and plantains.

Taxonomy

The Musaceae family is part of the order Zingiberales, and includes three genera: Musella, Musa and Ensete. The Musa genus is the most diverse, with over 50 species, while Ensete and Musella each contain only a few species.

Description

Plants in the Musaceae family are large, herbaceous perennials with a pseudostem made up of tightly packed leaf sheaths. The leaves are large and usually arranged in a spiral. The flowers are produced in a large, hanging inflorescence, and the fruit is a large, elongated berry.

Distribution and habitat

Musaceae plants are native to the tropics of Africa and Asia, and are now cultivated in many tropical regions around the world. They are typically found in humid, lowland forests and on riverbanks.

Uses

Many species in the Musaceae family are economically important, particularly those in the Musa genus, which includes the plants that produce bananas and plantains. These fruits are a major food crop in many tropical countries, and are also widely exported. Other species in the family are used for their fiber, for ornamental purposes, or in traditional medicine.

See also

• Banana
• Plantain
• Zingiberales

Musaceae Resources
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