Greek thelion – a nipple, nema – a thread, referring to the short papillae on the stamen filaments.

Perennial clump-forming herb. Stems if present, short, erect, unbranched. Leaves basal, linearlanceolate, sheathing, not flattened basally. Flowers lasting one day, erect to spreading, radially symmetrical, twisting spirally after flowering, stalked, individual flower stalks articulated. Inflorescence a terminal panicle.Tepals 3+3, free. Stamens 6, free, filaments papillose, anthers coiling after dehiscence. Ovary superior. Fruit a capsule. Seeds ovoid, black.

Sometimes grown as a decorative garden ornamental in full sun on well drained soils.

3 species in SE Australia, 2 of which are sometimes cultivated.

The 2 ranked, basal, sheathing leaves with flattened bases; papillose filaments; anthers coiling after dehiscence.

Henderson (1985).

Source: Conran, J. (2005). Hemerocallidaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.