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The Liliaceae is a very large and varied family, probably artificially grouped, with many alternative proposals about how it should be subdivided to present more natural groups. Because there is no consensus, most systematists have retained the traditional structure.
The Liliaceae are among the monocots and bear leaves with parallel veins and flowers with parts (usually) in 3's. The leaves are all basal, alternate, or whorled. The flowers are radially symmetric, often large and showy, usually with indistinguishable petals and sepals (tepals), and a superior 3-chambered ovary. The fruit is a capsule or a berry.
Many members of the Liliaceae are edible (onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus), but others are highly poisonous (death-camas). Many are prized ornamentals (lilies, tulips, day lilies, hyacinths, hostas).
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