Melanthiaceae

Defining Characteristics

• Herbaceous perennials from rhizomes, bulbs, or corms
• Flowers typically 3-merous (tepals in 2 whorls of 3), often with prominent glands on tepals
• Parallel-veined leaves, often basal or alternate
• Capsule or berry fruits
• Many members contain highly toxic alkaloids (colchicine, cyclopamine, jervine)
• Often with pleated or corrugated leaf surfaces (e.g., Veratrum)

Notable Genera

• Trillium (trillium, wake-robin)
• Veratrum (false hellebore, corn lily)
• Melanthium (bunchflower)
• Zigadenus / Anticlea (death camas)
• Colchicum (autumn crocus)

Notes

Colchicine from Colchicum is used to treat gout and to induce polyploidy in plant breeding. Cyclopamine and jervine from Veratrum californicum are teratogenic alkaloids that have led to important cancer research (Hedgehog pathway inhibitors). Trilliums are ecologically important spring wildflowers, slow to recover from disturbance.