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Family:
Agavaceae (agave, sisal family)
Life
> eukaryotes >
Archaeoplastida >
Chloroplastida
>
Charophyta > Streptophytina > Plantae (land plants)
> Tracheophyta (vascular plants) > Euphyllophyta > Lignophyta (woody plants)
> Spermatophyta (seed plants) > Angiospermae (flowering
plants)
> Monocotyledons > Order: Asparagales
There are twelve genera and about 400
species. Native to Old and New World tropics and subtropics. Four species
of Agave have become naturalised in southern Africa.
An additional six genera and 21 species are cultivated in southern Africa.
Genera indigenous to southern Africa
Chlorophytum
About 165 species, found in Africa, Madagascar and Asia. There are 36
species indigenous to southern Africa. This genus was previously in the
Anthericaceae, which has now been absorbed into Agavaceae. |
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Genera naturalised in southern Africa
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Agave
About 275 species, native to the New World. Four species have become
naturalised in southern Africa and there are a further eight species that
are cultivated in this region. The genus includes Sisal Agave sisalana,
which is widely cultivated for production of fibre. Pulque is an alcoholic
drink derived from fermented sap of Agave plants. Mescal and tequila
are distilled from the fermented sap. |
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Other genera, cultivated in southern Africa
Information from Glen (2002). Cordyline has been
transferred to Laxmanniaceae.
Beschorneria
Three species, indigenous to Mexico, are cultivated in
gardens in southern Africa. |
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Furcraea
Two species, indigenous to Mexico and/or South America,
are cultivated in gardens in southern Africa. |
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Hesperaloe
Hesperaloe parvifolia is indigenous to Texas, USA and is cultivated in
southern Africa. |
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Hosta
Two species cultivated. |
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Manfreda
Manfreda variegata is indigenous to Texas and
Mexico and is cultivated in gardens in southern Africa. |
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Yucca Four
species, all originating from the USA/Mexico are cultivated in southern
Africa. |
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Publications
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