Biology:Xerophyllum (plant)

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Short description: Genus of flowering plants

Xerophyllum
Xerophyllum tenax - Glacier National Park.jpg
Xerophyllum tenax
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Liliales
Family: Melanthiaceae
Tribe: Xerophylleae
Genus: Xerophyllum
Michx.

Xerophyllum is a genus of perennial plants from the family Melanthiaceae. The genus is native to North America.[1]

There are two species:[2][3]

  • Xerophyllum asphodeloides (Pursh) Nutt. - southern Appalachians from Alabama to Maryland; also Delaware + New Jersey
  • Xerophyllum tenax (Pursh) Nutt. - Alberta, British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, N + W California

Some species formerly placed in this genus have been transferred to others (within the tribe Melanthieae):[2]

  • Xerophyllum gramineum = Stenanthium gramineum (Ker Gawl.) Morong
  • Xerophyllum sabadilla = Schoenocaulon officinale (Schltdl. & Cham.) A.Gray

The elongated leaves of X. tenax, commonly known as bear grass, are used for basket weaving by the Native Americans. Xerophyllum asphodeloides, also known as turkey's beard, is a popular garden plant, producing spikes of white flowers.

References

External links

Wikidata ☰ Q136216 entry