Anthericum

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Anthericum
St. Bernard's lily, Anthericum ramosum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Anthericum
L.[1]
Synonyms[2]
  • Debesia Kuntze
  • Phalangium Mill.[1]
  • Liliago L. ex C.Presl 1845, illegitimate homonym, not Heister 1755
  • Endogona Raf.
  • Pessularia Salisb.
  • Phalangites Bubani

Anthericum is a genus of about 65 species, rhizomatous perennial plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae.[3] It was formerly placed in its own family, Anthericaceae. The species have rhizomatous or tuberous roots, long narrow leaves and branched stems carrying starry white flowers. The members of this genus occur mainly in the tropics and southern Africa and Madagascar, but are also represented in Europe.[4]

The generic name Anthericum is derived from the Greek word ανθερικος (antherikos), meaning "straw", referring to the narrow leaves.

Only two species are in general cultivation. A number of species are now included in the genus Chlorophytum, the Spider Plant, a familiar and popular house plant. Others, including the St. Bruno's Lily, are now classed in the genus Paradisea.

Selected species[edit]

Formerly placed here[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Genus: Anthericum L." Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 2010-01-19. Retrieved 2011-03-21.
  2. ^ Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  3. ^ Stevens, P.F., Angiosperm Phylogeny Website: Asparagales: Agavoideae
  4. ^ Altervista Flora Italiana, genere Anthericum
  5. ^ a b "GRIN Species Records of Anthericum". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 2010-01-19. Retrieved 2011-03-21.