Agavaceae-Sisal family
Chiefly tropical and xerophytic plaaants: includes Dracenaceae (Dracaenaceae); comprises plants that in some classifications are divided between the Amaryllidaceae and the Liliaceae
The sisal family, agavaceae, consists of 13 genera and 210 species.
Description of the family
Monocarpic or perennial plants. Stems short or 0, sometimes trunk-like. Leaves large, borne in rosettes, often succulent, usually hard, leathery and spine-tipped. Inflorescence a large spike or panicle. Flowers bisexual, actinomorphic; perianth segments 6, united for most of their length. Stamens 6. Ovary inferior, 3-locular. Fruit a capsule. Seeds numerous, flattened, black.
Comment:
A number of species of this family are naturalised in Zimbabwe. However, the names of most these plants are not clear.
Species Worldwide:
13 genera and 210 species, tropical and warm zones, especially arid America.
Species found in Zimbabwe:
1 genus and 1 taxon.
Furcraea Vent
