**Group 1: Description and Taxonomy**
– Lilies are tall perennials ranging from 1–6ft in height.
– They have underground bulbs for perennation.
– Some species develop rhizomes or stolons.
– Flowers are large, fragrant, and come in various colors.
– Seeds ripen in late summer with complex germination patterns.
– Taxonomical division includes seven sections.
– There are 111 species in the genus.
– Some authorities consider Nomocharis within Lilium.
– Sinomartagon and Leucolirion are divided into paraphyletic groups.
– Various taxonomies are based on different research sources.
**Group 2: Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology**
– Lilies are found across Europe, Asia, Japan, India, and the U.S.
– They adapt to woodland, grassland, and marshland habitats.
– They prefer moderately acidic or lime-free soils.
– Lilies are food plants for some Lepidoptera larvae.
– Deer proliferation poses a threat to wild lily populations.
– High fences are needed to protect garden lilies.
**Group 3: Cultivation and Propagation**
– Many species are grown in temperate, sub-tropical, and tropical regions.
– Lilies are planted as bulbs in the dormant season.
– They prefer well-drained, loamy soil with good drainage.
– Some lilies are important cut flower crops.
– Different varieties have specific planting and care requirements.
– Propagation methods include division, bulbils, scaling, and seed.
– Micropropagation techniques are used for commercial propagation.
– Plant growth regulators are used to control height.
**Group 4: Pests, Diseases, and Toxicity**
– Scarlet lily beetles, aphids, leatherjackets, and larvae are common pests.
– Diseases like Lily blight and viral infections affect lilies.
– Mice, deer, and squirrels can damage plants.
– Slugs, snails, and millipedes attack seedlings.
– Some Lilium species are toxic to cats, leading to acute kidney failure.
– Lily ingestion can be harmful to pets.
**Group 5: Cultural Significance, Medicinal Uses, and References**
– Lilies symbolize love, ardor, and affection in Victorian language of flowers.
– Lilies are used at funerals to symbolize innocence.
– Lily species hold cultural significance in various regions.
– Lily bulbs are used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine.
– Various lily species have been officially listed for medicinal use.
– Lily cultivation practices, references, and meanings are detailed in publications and horticultural resources.