HAEMODORACEAE. An order of epigynous monocotyledons, belonging to Lindley's Narcissal alliance of endogens. Perennial herbs, natives of the Cape, North and South America, Central and Eastern Asia, and South-west Australia. Perianth-petaloid, tubular or sub-campanulate, usually hairy or woolly outside, glabrous within. Leaves alternate, usually distichous, sub-ensiform, sheathing at the base, equitant. Bitterness exists in some of the plants. The roots of some also yield a red colour: hence the name of the order. As understood in the "Genera Plantarum," there are twenty-six genera and about 120 species. Well-known genera are: Anigo-santhus, Haemodorum, and Wachendorfia.