asparagalean

Asparagalean is a superorder of monocotyledonous flowering plants. This group is part of the order Asparagales, which is a well-established taxonomic rank within the monocots. Asparagalean plants are characterized by a number of shared botanical features, though these can vary among the many families included. Commonly, they possess a rhizomatous or bulbous underground structure and their leaves are often basal or arranged in a spiral pattern. The flowers typically have three sepals and three petals, which are often indistinguishable and collectively referred to as tepals. They also usually contain six stamens. This superorder encompasses a diverse range of plant families, including the Asparagaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Orchidaceae, and Iridaceae, among others. These families include many familiar plants such as asparagus, onions, garlic, lilies, irises, and orchids. The evolutionary relationships within Asparagalean have been significantly clarified through molecular phylogenetic studies, which have helped to define its boundaries and constituent families.