Haemodoraceae

Haemodoraceae is a family of flowering plants that includes around 12 genera and approximately 150 species. The family is native to the Southern Hemisphere, with the majority of species found in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Haemodoraceae is characterized by its distinctive flowers, which are typically bright yellow or orange, and its fleshy, often bulbous roots. The family is also known for its unique pollination system, which involves the use of a specialized structure called a pollinarium.

The family Haemodoraceae is divided into two subfamilies: Haemodoroideae and Ixioideae. Haemodoroideae includes the genera Haemodorum, Ixia, and Romulea, while Ixioideae includes the genera Ixia and Ixiolirion. The family is further divided into several tribes, including Haemodoreae, Ixieae, and Romuleae.

Haemodoraceae is an important family of plants, both ecologically and economically. Many species are used in traditional medicine, and some are cultivated for their ornamental value. The family is also of interest to botanists and evolutionary biologists, as it provides insights into the evolution of flowering plants and their pollination systems.