Description: Clump-forming herb; bulb with numerous imbricate fleshy scales; above-ground parts annual; roots fibrous; stem unbranched, erect or ascending.
Leaves numerous, alternate, opposite or sometimes ± whorled, sessile; axillary bulbs sometimes produced.
Inflorescence terminal, racemose, spicate subumbellate or flower solitary. Flowers bisexual, actinomorphic, usually large, often funnel-shaped, white or brightly coloured; subtended by leaf-like bracts. Tepals 6, free, nectariferous at base. Stamens 6; anthers versatile, dehiscing by slits, introrse. Ovary superior, cylindrical; loculi 3; style 1, elongate; stigma capitate, 3-lobed or 3-fid; placentation axile.
Fruit a loculicidal capsule; seeds numerous, winged.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 117 species, temperate regions of Northern Hemisphere to N. Philippines [POWO (2019). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet; http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/ Retrieve24 June 2020]. Australia: 3 species (natturalized, one doubtfully), NSW 2 species (naturalised, one doubtfully) (APC). Updated 24 June 2020 by K.L. Gibbons.
Text by G. J. Harden (1993); edited KL Wilson (June 2008)
Taxon concept:
| | Key to the species | |
| 1 | Perianth white | Lilium formosanum |
| Perianth orange with darker spots | Lilium lancifolium |
|
