Eriospermaceae

Eriospermaceae was a monotypic family containing one genus Eriospermum with some 80 species occurring mostly in southern Africa. The current AGP III and IV systems include Eriospermum in subfamily Nolinoideae of Asparagaceae.

Dormant structures are in the form of plump tubers, which can have white, yellow, pink or red mucilage. Tubers remain underground. Leaves vary in forms such as filiform, bottlebrush, or large thick blades in various shades of green and gray. Flowers are often inconspicuous and plants form seeds that are coated in a thick layer of hair. Western Cape species have a summer dormancy whereas Eastern Cape species have summer dormancy.

We have the genus Eriospermum represented on the wiki.


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