XVI International Botanical Congess

India is one of the richest regions for the diversity of Zingiberaceae. Out of the total 52 genera and 140 spp. in the world 22 genera and 180 spp. are represented in India. 11 spp. and 60 genera grow in Peninsular India. A list of all spp. described from this area is provided. Some taxonomic problems associated with the identification of some genera are also solved. The distribution of Endemic and Endangered taxa and their conservation measures are given. One genus and 17 spp. and one variety are endemic and about 10 spp. are endangered. Unless proper conservation measures are taken immediately most of them will become extinct very soon. Several spp. of Amomum, Alpinia, Curcuma, Costus, Elettaria, Kaempferia and Zingiber are economically very useful. Their uses in Ayurvedic medicines and other Ethnobotanical studies are also provided.