The monotypic genus (i.e., a genus containing only one species) is endemic to Madagascar. The plant grows to 25-30 feet tall and leaves grow to 8-10 feet long. Leaves are banana-like, 2-ranked toward the apex of the palm-like trunk, resulting in a fan-shaped aspect.The only other genera in the family are Strelitzia with 5 species native to subtropical southern Africa (one, the histrionic bird-of-paradise) and Phenakospermum with one (or 2 ?) species in eastern tropical South America.