Liliaceae
(Lily Family)
Habit
- herbs with
bulbs and
contractile roots
Leaves
-
alternate,
whorled, or all
basal,
simple, usually with
sheathing bases; no
stipules
Inflorescence
-
determinate, or flowers solitary
Flowers
- mostly
perfect,
regular; subtended by
bracts
Sepals
- 3, distinct, often
petaloid (6
tepals)
Petals
- 3, distinct, often spotted
Stamens
- mostly 6, distinct
Carpels
- 3,
connate throughout;
ovary mostly superior with 3
locules and 1-many
axile
ovules/
locule
Fruit
- a
loculicidal
capsule
Diversity
- 13 genera/400 spp.
Distribution
- North Temperate regions
Economics
- many cultivated ornamentals: tulips, lilies,
fritillaries
Notes
-
Images
-
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