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A large monocotyledonous family, commonly known as the lily family, containing about 3500 species in about 250 genera. Many of the Liliaceae possess swollen underground perennating organs, such as bulbs, corms, and rhizomes. The only important food plant in the family is the onion (Allium cepa). Minor food plants include garlic, leek, and asparagus. However horticulturally the Liliaceae are one of the most important families and the flowers display a wide range of form and colour. They may be solitary, as in the tulips (Tulipa), in a raceme, as in hyacinths (Hyacinthus), or in a cyme, as in the umbel-like cymes of onion. Ornamental genera include Lilium, Aloe, Hosta, Muscari, and Scilla.
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