Montrichardia Crueg.

Erect herbs; stems bamboo-like, often supported by prop roots. Leaves entire: petiole with sheath c. half the length of the petiole, produced into a free cusp; lamina with prominent central and lateral veins. Spathes large; spadix thick, slightly shorter than the spathe; basal part female, the greater part male. Fruits large, obovoid, crowned by the persistent stigma.

Derivation of name: After Gabriel de Montrichard.

Worldwide: Tropical America.

Zimbabwe: 1 cultivated taxon.