DIVERSITY, DISTRIBUTION AND PROPAGATION OF HELICONIAS

Abstract

Heliconias are ornamental species that produce inflorescences very appreciated in floriculture. Plants can be grown to produce cut flowers, or they can be planted in parks and gardens as part of landscaping. In addition to their inflorescences, heliconias produce useful foliage for various purposes, and their rhizomes can be used as food or medicine. It is estimated that there are about 250 species of the only genus, Heliconia, within the family Heliconiaceae of the order of the Zingiberales, distributed mainly in tropical America, and some islands of the Pacific Ocean. In this article, a review is made on the biology and diversity of these species, their distribution in the world and in Mexico, and their reproduction through seeds, rhizomes and plant tissue culture.