Agavaceae

plural noun

Ag·​a·​va·​ce·​ae

ˌa-gə-ˈvā-sē-ˌē

in some classifications

: a family of perennial plants of warm, dry regions that typically have fibrous linear leaves arranged in a basal rosette, rhizomatous rootstock, and usually with flowers in large panicles

Note: The family Agavaceae is usually placed in one of two orders (Asparagales or, especially formerly, Liliales) and includes genera (such as Agave, Yucca, and Sansevieria) that had been placed in the families Liliaceae and Amaryllidaceae and are now sometimes placed in a newer family (Asparagaceae).

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Agave, type genus + -aceae

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

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