Amaryllidaceae

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Amaryllidaceae

Amaryllidaceae (pronunciation: /ˌæmərɪlɪˈdeɪsiː/), also known as the amaryllis family, is a family of herbaceous, mainly perennial and bulbous (growing from bulbs) flowering plants in the monocot order Asparagales. The family takes its name from the genus Amaryllis and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Etymology

The name "Amaryllidaceae" is derived from the type genus Amaryllis and was first used by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1805. The name Amaryllis is taken from a shepherdess in Virgil's pastoral Eclogues, from the Greek αμαρυσσω (amarysso), meaning "to sparkle".

Description

Members of the Amaryllidaceae are characterized by their bulbs or bulb-like perennials, linear leaves, and bisexual flowers with parts in multiples of three. The flowers are often large and showy, with six tepals and six stamens, and are typically arranged in umbels. The fruit is a capsule that splits open to reveal black seeds.

Genera

The family includes about 75 genera and 1600 known species. Notable genera include Narcissus (daffodils), Allium (onions and garlic), Agapanthus (lily of the Nile), and Hippeastrum (commonly known as amaryllis).

Uses

Many species are grown as ornamental plants for their attractive flowers. Some are important food crops, such as onions and garlic, while others, like the Belladonna lily, are used in medicine.

See also

External links

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