The flowers belong to the ordinary monocotyledonous type. They are hermaphrodite, _epigynous_, and have either a petaloid perianth, or calyx and corolla; they are, however, _zygomorphic_ or _unsymmetrical_, and of the stamens most frequently only one is _completely developed_, the others being generally represented by petaloid staminodes. The ovary has 3 loculi, more rarely it is unilocular with the suppression of 2 loculi. Endosperm is absent (except _Zingiberaceæ_); but, on the other hand, there is a _large perisperm_. To this family belong large, glabrous, especially _perennial herbs_ with rhizomes; leaves large, distinctly divided into sheath, stalk, and blade, the latter being more or less elliptical or lanceolate, entire, with pinnate venation, and always with a very _well-pronounced midrib_, gradually tapering towards the apex, and giving off numerous branches, which run outwards, towards the margin, at a larger or smaller angle; these _lateral veins_ are closely packed, and parallel, but with only weak, connecting branches between them; the leaves, therefore, are easily torn pinnately (Figs. 314, 317). The leaf-sheaths close tightly round each other and form a false stem. This very natural family comprises orders closely connected with each other, but is not itself nearly allied to any other family. First in the series stands:-- Order 1. =Musaceæ.= The _petaloid_ perianth is strongly zygomorphic, the anterior leaf being very large (a kind of “labellum”), the posterior one small; only the posterior stamen is wanting, or is rudimentary, the other five are developed, and have quadrilocular anthers; ovary, 3-locular. Seed with straight embryo in mealy perisperm. [Illustration: FIG. 314.--Two _Musa_-species.]