Clade Monocots Scientific name Anthericum Rank Genus | Clade Angiosperms Subfamily Agavoideae Higher classification Agavoideae | |
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Lower classifications Anthericum liliago, Anthericum ramosum | ||
Anthericum garden plants
Anthericum is a genus of about 65 species, rhizomatous perennial plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. It was formerly placed in its own family, Anthericeae. 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.
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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.