Eriospermaceae

Perennial herbs, with one or more tubers. Leaves 1 to several, present at flowering time or appearing after flowering; lamina linear to lanceolate, ovate or circular, with a distinct petiole-like base. Peduncle erect, unbranched. Inflorescence a simple raceme. Pedicels articulated at apex. Flowers actinomorphic. Tepals (in ours) ± equal in size and shape, mainly whitish to yellow. Stamens 6. Ovary superior, 3-locular. Capsule emarginate, loculicidally dehiscent, 3-valved. Seeds covered in long white silky hairs.

Comment: The genus Eriospermum, included by us under Eriospermaceae, is nowadays often placed together with Dracaenaceae, Ruscaceae, Nolinaceae and Convallariaceae as Subfamily Nolinoideae under Asparagaceae. However, we have followed the more traditional treatment for the time being.

Worldwide: 1 genus and c. 100 species in sub-Saharan Africa.

Zambia: 1 genus and 5 taxa.