A new week, a new challenge! This week we would like you to try and find a member of the Lily family. Sounds simple enough, right?
Except, If you have listened to the latest podcast you will know it is not that straightforward, with significant reclassification of this former family.
However for the purposes of our challenge we are happy for you to follow the taxonomy as detailed in The Wildflower Key by Francis Rose.
The Lilaceae is a large family of diverse forms. Typically it can be characterised by the flowers having six equal, similar perianth segments and usually having six stamens.
The perianth may be separate or fused and usually the ovary is three-celled and superior.
Many species of the Lily family flower in the Spring and you may see the Fritillary, Fritallaria meleagris which is just beginning to bloom.
The Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem, Gagea lutea is also a member of this family.
As are the more familiar favourites of Daffodil, Bluebell, Snowdrop, Spring Squill and the Summer and Spring Snowflakes.
The Alliums are also members of the Lilaceae. You may spot Ramsons or Wild Garlic, Allium ursinum or Three-cornered Garlic, Allium triquetrum.
Some less obvious family members include Butcher’s-broom, Ruscus aculeatus, the Solomon’s-seals and Asparagus!
Flowering slightly later in the season, the beautiful and enigmatic Herb-Paris, Paris quadrifolia is also a member of the Lily family.
So as ever, have fun seeing what you can find!
Post your images for #wildflowerhour Sunday 8th April between 8-9pm using the hashtag #lilychallenge.
#lilychallenge – Curated tweets by wildflower_hour
from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/04/03/challenge-find-a-member-of-the-lily-family/
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