Dichelostemma--TOW
Antennaria@aol.com (Mon, 26 May 2003 20:16:33 PDT)

This genus [Dichelostemma] has been
considered to be a part of many different families including Alliaceae. In
The Jepson Manual (1993) it was classified in Liliaceae. Recent work is now
placing it in a new family, Themidaceae, which includes other California
genera (Androstephium, Bloomeria, Brodiaea, Muilla, and Triteleia.)

Can somebody cite a definitive technical paper that defines the boundaries of
Themidaceae. I'm aware of the existance of this new family, particularly in
regard to pulling Triteleia and Brodiaea out of Alliaceae, but this is the
first I've heard that Muilla is also swallowed up by Themidaceae. What are the
defining characteristics that separate the Themidaceae from Alliaceae? I need
to be convinced, because the evidence I've evaluated thus far seems less than
convincing (regarding the very existance of Themidaceae). Regarding Muilla,
this is an anagram of Allium (of which there are several) to describe a closely
allied genus (Muilla is Allium backwards). So it's ironic indeed, that such
an ally is moved out of Alliaceae, don't you think?

Mark McDonough Pepperell, Massachusetts, United States
antennaria@aol.com "New England" USDA Zone 5
==============================================

alliums, bulbs, penstemons, hardy hibiscus, western
american alpines, iris, plants of all types!