Liliales

Liliales is a taxonomic order of monocot flowering plants. The type genus of this order is lilium (the lily). They are mostly herbaceous, but there are rarely lianas and shrubs. They are also mostly perennial and have food storage organs. This Order consists of a number families with about 1200 species in each.

The liliale used to be considered the largest flowering plant group, but since recent taxonomic revisions (the exclusion of Asparagales, Dioscoreales) the group is now small.

Anatomy
Liliales are usually perennial herbs with subterranean stems. They have a simple leaf structure. Their leaves are usually linear with longitudinal veins and are sometimes broader than monocots. Their venation is close to that found in dicots.

Most are herbs and very few are vines. Some examples of a vine liliale are the Smilax and the Bomarea. These two vines flower in clusters called umbels. They are one of the smallest flowers in the plant kingdom. These flowers come in many different colors like white, yellow, brown, oranges, reds, blues, and violets. Most of the flowers are variegated, meaning they have spots or strips or colors mixed.

Reproduction
Plants in this group grow from bulbs or corms. Whether from bulbs or corms, they will still store food during winter and the dry seasons. Most of the time liliales will have nectar producing glands in the peddles or stamens. The flowers are arranged in six parts and sometimes in three. This makes them targets for bees.

Pollination is frequently assisted by small animals which include; birds, insects, and arachnids. After pollination fertilization occurs. Most liliales need a cross fertilization. Liliales give mostly dry fruit. Sometimes they give berries and rarely nuts.

Ecology
Liliales are found world wide, but mostly in drier temperatures and warm places. Some are from South African (Colchicaceae) and South American (Alstroemeriaceae).

There is no actual use for the liliale om human ecology, but it is sometimes considered a house plant