 The name of the genus is derived from Greek Όφις "ophis", "snake", and πόγὦν "pogon", "beard", most probably referring to its leaves and tufted growth.In the APG III classification system, it is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Nolinoideae (formerly the family Ruscaceae).Like many lilioid monocots, it was formerly classified in the Liliaceae.