Agavaceae

  
 

 

Genera : 18 - 20

Species: 600 -700

 

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Distribution: Subtropical and arid regions of the Old and New World, Australia and New Zealand.

 

Economic Uses: Source of fiber for cord and rope as well as for fermented drinks of native Mexicans such as tequila, mezcal and pulque. Root used as a soap by native North Americans.

Defining Features of Interest: The genus Yucca was placed in the Lilliaceae in the past and the genus Agave among others, was placed in the Amaryllidaceae.

Fossil Evidence:Fossil pollen from the Eocene.

Defining Morphology

Floral Features : Actinomorphic or slightly zygomorphic and perfect or unisexual. Inflorescence as heads, panicles or racemes and often massive. Hypogynous or epigynous with an hypanthium sometimes present.

Fruit and Seed Features : Fruit a berry or loculicidal capsule. Seeds flat, with endosperm present. Placentation is axile (rarely parietal).

Vegetative Features : Habit is as herbs, shrubs or trees. Leaves succulent and alternate or basal, forming a rosette. Also linear and entire, or with sharp, pointed margins. Stipules are lacking.