| TREATMENT FROM THE JEPSON MANUAL (1993) |
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©Copyright 1993 by the Regents of the University of California
For up-to-date information about California vascular plants, visit the Jepson eFlora. |
AND IS MAINTAINED FOR ARCHIVAL PURPOSES ONLY |
Perennial to trees, from membranous bulb, fibrous corm, scaly rhizome, or erect caudex
Stem generally underground
Leaves generally basal, often withering early, alternate, generally ± linear
Inflorescence various, generally bracted
Flower generally bisexual, generally radial; perianth often showy, segments generally 6 in two petal-like whorls (outer sometimes sepal-like), free or fused at base; stamens 6 (or 3 + generally 3 ± petal-like staminodes), filaments sometimes attached to perianth or fused into a tube or crown; ovary superior or inferior, chambers 3, placentas generally axile, style generally 1, stigmas generally 3
Fruit: generally capsule, loculicidal or septicidal (berry or nut)
Genera in family: ± 300 genera, 4600 species: especially ± dry temp and subtropical; many cultivated for ornamental or food;some TOXIC . Here includes genera sometimes treated in Agavaceae, Amaryllidaceae, and other families.
Tree-like subshrubs, dioecious or some flowers bisexual
Stems thick and woody or ± underground
Leaves densely rosetted, 6–20 dm, stiff, sword-like; bases much expanded, white, fleshy
Inflorescence: panicle or raceme-like, scapose, bracted, < 4 m
Flower: perianth parts 6 in 2 petal-like whorls, ± white, < 6 mm; stamens 6, filaments slender; ovary superior, 3-chambered, style and 3 stigmas short, ovules 2 per chamber
Fruit: capsule, papery
Seeds 1–3 per fruit, ovoid
Species in genus: ± 25 species: s US, Mex
Etymology: (P.C. Nolin, 18th century French agriculturist)
Reference: [Munz & Roos 1950 Aliso 2:217–238]
| Native |
Stem branching underground, forming a platform of rosettes
Leaves 10–45 per rosette, 12–30 mm wide just above expanded base, generally glaucous; base 5–10 cm, 2–6 cm wide; margins minutely serrate
Inflorescence 5–16 dm; axis 5–16 mm diam at base; bracts generally inconspicuous and persistent
Seeds 4–6 mm, reddish brown
Ecology: Foothills on gabbro soils
Elevation: 200–700 m.
Bioregional distribution: sw Peninsular Ranges (sw San Diego Co.)
Distribution outside California: nw Baja California