Greek poly – many, gonus – angled, referring to the angular rhizomes.

Perennial, stout rhizomatous herbs with thick roots. Stems annual, unbranched. Leaves several, ovate. Flowers bell-shaped, pendent, radially symmetrical, stalked, stalks articulated. Inflorescence an axillary raceme or flowers solitary. Tepals 6, fused. Stamens 6, attached to tepals. Ovary superior. Fruit a berry. Seeds ovoid, yellow-brown.

Grown for the attractive foliage forms and pendulous flowers in light to heavy shade. Four species cultivated in southern Australia.

57 species from the temperate Northern Hemisphere, mainly in eastern Asia.

The arching leafy stems with axillary flowers from the stout rhizomes.

Tamura (1993).

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.