article The ginger family as a model group for observing the morphology and phenology
of monocotyledonous plants
Kristýna Hlavatá
information
year: 2026
issue: 1
fulltext: PDF
online publishing date: 29/4/2026
DOI: 10.14712/25337556.2026.1.3
ISSN (Online): 2533-7556
Toto dílo podléhá licenci Creative Commons Uveďte původ 4.0 Mezinárodní License.
abstract
The ginger family (Zingiberaceae) is a family of tropical monocotyledonous plants that due to their pleasant fragrance and large, showy inflorescences can help make botany education in schools more attractive. Furthermore, these plants are larger than the grasses native to the Czech Republic,, which makes their anatomical and morphological structures easier to observe in class. In this paper, two of the most well-known members of the family, ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) are discussed as examples that can be utilized in teaching due to their availability and the feasibility of their cultivation in the classroom. These characteristics provide teachers the opportunity to set up simple scientific experiments related to plant biology and ecology, while allowing pupils to learn plant anatomy and morphology by observing live plants. Additionally, turmeric powder can be used as a pH indicator in a simple chemistry experiment. Since neither ginger nor turmeric is toxic, pupils can receive instruction about their culinary uses. They also possess a rich history and a wide range of medicinal applications, and can therefore serve to connect biology to other areas of common knowledge through a multidisciplinary approach.
keywords
monocotyledonous plants; Zingiberaceae; education; ginger; turmeric; growing; pH
fulltext (PDF )
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