FLORAHUB PLANT DIRECTORY

Discover Plant Species

Explore eight plant species from four genera and two plant families. Each card introduces a plant's scientific name, classification, common name where available, and general information. Turn a card to learn more and follow its distribution link to explore records on GBIF.

FAMILY 01

Arecaceae

Arecaceae is the palm family. Its members include familiar tropical palms as well as climbing palms known as rattans. The following examples introduce species from the genera Areca and Calamus.

GENUS

Areca

Areca is a genus of palms. The two species below demonstrate how plants in the same genus can have different growth characteristics and uses.

Areca catechu, commonly known as the areca or betel nut palm

SPECIES

Areca catechu

ARECACEAE / ARECA

Areca catechu

Common nameAreca palm / Betel nut palm
FamilyArecaceae
GenusAreca
OriginTropical Asia; its precise native range should be checked against a botanical reference.
About this species

Areca catechu is a tropical palm cultivated in parts of Asia. It produces a slender trunk and a crown of long, feather-like leaves. Its seed is commonly called the areca nut.

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Areca triandra, a palm species in the genus Areca

SPECIES

Areca triandra

ARECACEAE / ARECA

Areca triandra

Common nameThree-stamened areca palm
FamilyArecaceae
GenusAreca
OriginSouth and Southeast Asia
About this species

Areca triandra is a palm found in tropical parts of Asia. It can grow with more than one stem and has arching, feather-like leaves. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in suitable climates.

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GENUS

Calamus

Calamus contains many rattan palms. Rattans are climbing palms that grow in tropical forests and are important sources of material for traditional crafts and furniture.

Calamus manan, a climbing rattan palm

SPECIES

Calamus manan

ARECACEAE / CALAMUS

Calamus manan

Common nameManau rattan
FamilyArecaceae
GenusCalamus
OriginSoutheast Asian forests
About this species

Calamus manan is a rattan palm associated with tropical forests in Southeast Asia. Its long climbing stem is valued for rattan products. Responsible harvesting helps reduce pressure on wild populations.

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Calamus caesius, a rattan palm

SPECIES

Calamus caesius

ARECACEAE / CALAMUS

Calamus caesius

Common nameRattan
FamilyArecaceae
GenusCalamus
OriginSoutheast Asia
About this species

Calamus caesius is a climbing palm associated with tropical Southeast Asia. Like other rattans, it grows using surrounding vegetation for support and is used as a source of rattan material.

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FAMILY 02

Zingiberaceae

Zingiberaceae is the ginger family. Many members are tropical herbs with underground rhizomes and aromatic parts. Some are grown for food, while others are cultivated as ornamental plants.

GENUS

Alpinia

Alpinia includes tropical plants that often have leafy stems and attractive flowers. The genus contains plants used in gardens as well as species valued for their aromatic rhizomes.

Alpinia galanga, commonly known as greater galangal

SPECIES

Alpinia galanga

ZINGIBERACEAE / ALPINIA

Alpinia galanga

Common nameGreater galangal
FamilyZingiberaceae
GenusAlpinia
OriginSouth and Southeast Asia
About this species

Alpinia galanga is a tropical herb with an aromatic rhizome. It is widely used as a culinary ingredient in several Southeast Asian cuisines and can grow in warm, humid environments.

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Alpinia zerumbet, a tropical ornamental ginger

SPECIES

Alpinia zerumbet

ZINGIBERACEAE / ALPINIA

Alpinia zerumbet

Common nameShell ginger
FamilyZingiberaceae
GenusAlpinia
OriginEast Asia; widely cultivated in tropical regions
About this species

Alpinia zerumbet is a leafy tropical plant known for its hanging clusters of shell-like flowers. It is commonly grown in gardens and landscapes in warm regions.

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GENUS

Zingiber

Zingiber is a genus of aromatic herbs in the ginger family. Many species grow from rhizomes, and some are important food plants or ornamental plants.

Zingiber officinale, the common ginger plant

SPECIES

Zingiber officinale

ZINGIBERACEAE / ZINGIBER

Zingiber officinale

Common nameGinger
FamilyZingiberaceae
GenusZingiber
OriginOrigin is generally associated with tropical Asia; the exact native range is uncertain.
About this species

Zingiber officinale is the ginger plant widely cultivated for its aromatic rhizome. Ginger is used as a spice and flavouring in many foods and drinks. The plant grows well in warm conditions.

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Zingiber zerumbet, commonly known as shampoo ginger

SPECIES

Zingiber zerumbet

ZINGIBERACEAE / ZINGIBER

Zingiber zerumbet

Common nameShampoo ginger
FamilyZingiberaceae
GenusZingiber
OriginTropical Asia and the Pacific region; verify the native range using a botanical reference.
About this species

Zingiber zerumbet is a tropical herb with cone-shaped flower heads. The liquid from its mature flower heads has traditionally been used as a hair-care product in some regions.

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LEARN THE BASICS

Understanding Plant Classification

Scientific classification helps people organise plants and understand how different plants are related.

How to Explore the Species Directory

FloraHub presents eight example species from two families: Arecaceae and Zingiberaceae. Each family contains two genera, and each genus contains two species in this directory. This structure provides a simple way to compare plants using their scientific classification.

Ginger plant, Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale is an example of a species in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae.

Steps to Explore a Plant

  1. Choose a plant card from the family and genus sections.
  2. Read the scientific name and common name, where available.
  3. Review the family and genus shown on the reverse side of the card.
  4. Read the short description to learn about the plant's characteristics or uses.
  5. Select the GBIF link to explore available occurrence records and distribution data.

Species Classification Summary

Eight example species featured on FloraHub
FamilyGenusScientific Name
ArecaceaeArecaAreca catechu
ArecaceaeArecaAreca triandra
ArecaceaeCalamusCalamus manan
ArecaceaeCalamusCalamus caesius
ZingiberaceaeAlpiniaAlpinia galanga
ZingiberaceaeAlpiniaAlpinia zerumbet
ZingiberaceaeZingiberZingiber officinale
ZingiberaceaeZingiberZingiber zerumbet

Key Classification Terms

Family
A classification level that groups related genera with shared characteristics.
Genus
A classification level that groups closely related species.
Species
A basic classification unit used to identify a particular kind of organism.
Scientific Name
The standard name used to identify an organism. In binomial nomenclature, it consists of a genus name and a specific epithet.

CONTINUE EXPLORING

Explore More Plant Classifications

Continue exploring FloraHub to learn about plant families and genera, or return to the main directory to discover more plant information.

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