Flora of North America species comparison

, when present, ovoid or elongate, scales lunate.

3–7, 20–32 cm × 5–8 mm, not withering to persistent fibers;

blade flattened or somewhat keeled, usually equaling or exceeding inflorescence, base fleshy.

2–7, basal;

blade flat to nearly terete, sometimes keeled.

seldom branched;

bracts ovate-obtuse to lanceolate-acuminate.

racemose or 1–3(–6)-branched, bracteate, flowers initially crowded, internodes elongating after anthesis.

tepals seldom strongly recurved, yellow, each with green or reddish abaxial stripe, 3–5-veined, ovate to ovate-oblong, 4.5–6 mm, apex obtuse;

ovary green or greenish yellow.

soon deciduous if unfertilized;

tepals persistent, withering separately to base, distinct, yellow or white, each 3–7-veined, equal, 2–6 mm;

stamens 6;

filaments equal, shorter than tepals, 1–2 mm, inner 3 nectariferous at base;

anthers introrse;

ovary superior, globose, 3-lobed, 3-locular, placentation axile, ovules 2 per locule;

style 1;

stigma unlobed or slightly 3-lobed;

pedicel 6–15(–30 mm).

capsular, dehiscent, flattened or indented at top, prominently 3-lobed.

glossy black, globose, flattened on 1 side, smooth.

= 12.

= 24, 30, 32.