Lily Flower Bud

Most members of the lily family are herb-like and are characterized by bulbs, or enlarged underground storage organs, which give rise to fleshy stems and erect narrow grass-like leaves. Many also display beautiful, showy flowers. Several species within this large family are cultivated as food crops and include such staple culinary ingredients as onions, shallots, garlic, chives, and leeks. Additionally, the bulb of the Madonna Lily was cultivated as early as the second millennium, B.C., for use as a medicinal ointment in Asia Minor.