Liliaceae
The
Lily Family |
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Plantae
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This is one of the largest plant families, with about 3500 species distributed throughout the world. They are mainly ornamental plants, but include vegetables of the onion family (Onion, Garlic, Leek, Chives) and Asparagus, and some species have been used medicinally. The majority are herbaceous with a swollen storage organ, but there are also evergreen succulents (Aloe) and woody evergreen climbers (Lapageria).
Bulbs or other storage organs
Long, thin leaves
Six petals
Six stamens
Seed capsule which forms inside the flower
Note: Several groups of plants in the Family Liliaceae have now been given their own Family status. These include Alliaceae, Alstroemeriaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Asparagaceae, Asphodelaceae, Aspidistraceae, Calochortaceae, Colchicaceae, Convallariaceae, Fritillariaceae, Hemerocallidaceae, Hyacinthaceae, Trilliaceae, and Zephyranthaceae.
Even before these changes, it was difficult to know whether a plant belonged to the Lily Family, the Iris Family, or the Amaryllis Family. Here are some points of difference which might help:
Liliaceae ~ 6 stamens, superior ovary (inside the flower)
Iridaceae ~ 3 stamens, inferior ovary (behind the flower)
Amaryllidaceae ~ 6 stamens, inferior ovary (behind the flower)
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