Ioviaceae

Ioviaceae is a family of plants in the order Asparagales. It is a small family, with only a few species, all of which are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. The plants in this family are typically herbaceous perennials, growing from bulbs or corms. They are often characterized by their strap-like leaves and showy flowers, which can be various colors including white, pink, and purple. The fruit is usually a capsule containing numerous small seeds.

The family Ioviaceae was first described by botanist Adolf Engler in 1892. It has undergone several taxonomic revisions since then, with some species being moved to other families and new species being described. The exact phylogenetic placement of Ioviaceae within Asparagales is still a subject of ongoing research. Despite its small size, Ioviaceae includes species of horticultural interest due to their attractive blooms, though they are not widely cultivated. Their ecological roles are generally as components of their native grassland and woodland habitats. Information on the specific conservation status of most Ioviaceae species is limited, but some may be subject to threats from habitat loss in their native ranges.