Genera                       

Species in our area  24 (Gray); 25 (B&B)⁴³

Distribution native to tropical and subtropical areas.

Flowers Clusters or spikes of inconspicuous flowers subtended by 3 greenish bracts. The bracts are the distinguishing feature of this family.⁴⁵

#Parts     2-5 Sepals  2-5 Stamens no petals 2-3 stigmas          Symmetry

Leaves stalked alternate leaves.