Latin from Lilium convallium – Lily of the valley, ancient name for this plant.

Perennial short-stemmed rhizomatous herbs with fibrous roots. Leaves 1-4, ovate. Flowers bell-shaped, pendulous, radially symmetrical, stalked, stalks articulated. Inflorescence a 1-sided many-flowered raceme.Tepals 6, fused. Stamens 6, attached to tepals. Fruit a berry. Seeds ovoid, yellow-brown.

Grown in cool climate gardens for the delicate scented bell-like flowers and neat foliage.

1 very variable species (sometimes regarded as 3 species) from northern temperate regions.

The broad leaves from the narrow rhizomes; 1-sided racemes of pendulous bell-shaped white flowers followed by red berries.

Source: Conran, J. (2005). Convallariaceae. 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.