Marantaceae 

"Marantaceae is a family of 31 genera and about 550 species. These perennial, rhizomatous herbs are small to moderate-sized herbs found throughout the tropics except in Australia. About half the genera are neotropical; the other half are paleotropical. Only a few genera are found in the temperate regions of South and North America. A notable characteristic of the Marantaceae is the pulvinus a thickened structure between the petiole and the leaf leaf blade. Many members of the Marantaceae are cultivated as ornamental plants. The name of the family commemorates Bartolomeo Maranta, an 18th century Italian botanist." - description via Smithsonian NMNH