Most are found in the tropical lowlands or in middle-elevation or cloud forest habitats. The name of these medium to large erect herbs comes from Helicon, a mountain in southern Greece which was believed to have been the home of the muses. They are a member of the order known as the Zingiberales, and there are thought to be around 200-250 species. Each infloresence may produce up to 50 hermaphroditic flowers. Leaves are composed of stalk and blade and resemble banana leaves.
Flowers produce a blue colored fruit which has three seeds.