Family: Asphodel [Xanthorrhoeaceae]


Asphodelus

Hemerocallis

Kniphofia

Phormium

Simethis

Some of the Genera (Simethis and Kniphofia) in this family were formerly within the Lily Family.

The following Families have all been subsumed into this the Xanthorrhoeaceae (Asphodel) Family:

  • Aloeaceae (Aloe)
  • Asphodelaceae (Asphodel)
  • Hemerocallidaceae (Day-Lily)
  • Phormiacea (New-Zealand Flaxes)

The Asphodel Family has no relation to the Bog Asphodel Family (Nartheciaceae)



[KNIPHOFIA] Red-hot-Pokers

Greater Red-hot-Poker (Kniphofia praecox) Photo: © RWD



[PHORMIUM] New-Zealand Flax

New-Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax) Photo: © RWD



[HEMEROCALLIS] Day-Lilies

Day-lilies are not related to Lilies (Lilium) although they do appear to have the same number of petals which are large, re-curved, colourful and showy. They are more likely to be found in a garden setting although they do escape, sometimes en-masse especially in Scotland. They also seem to enjoy old lead mines, especially in the Mendips which are chalky/limey. The Yellow Day-lily is fragrant, but the Orange Day-lily odourless.

They acquire their name from the fact that each flower itself lasts but a day and is gone, but there are others ready to open and take their place such that they could put on a show over two or three months if there was a large population of them.

Orange Day-Lily (Hemerocallis fulva) Photo: © RWD



[ASPHODELUS] White Asphodel

White Asphodel (Asphodelus albus) Photo: © Barbara Blackwell

Family: Asphodel [Xanthorrhoeaceae]

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