Greek zigos – a yoke, adenos – a gland, referring to the paired tepal nectaries of most species.
Perennial, rhizomatous or bulbous herbs with leafy stems. Leaves several to many, cauline and basal, linear to narrowly lance-shaped, sheathing. Flowers radially symmetrical, funnel- cup- or flat bowlshaped, erect or spreading. Inflorescence a many-flowered terminal raceme or panicle. Tepals 3+3, fused, with conspicuous paired nectaries. Stamens 6, attached to tepal bases. Ovary superior to partinferior, ovoid. Fruit a capsule. Seeds numerous, brown.
About 25 species from N America, one extending to Asia.
Distinctive bulbs; panicles of flowers, each one with obvious paired nectaries.
Niehaus et al. (1984).
Source: (2005). Melanthiaceae. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.
