The "petals" shown are a combination of petals and sepals. Collectively, they are called tepals. In lilies, there are three petals and three sepals.

Rick, thanks for the information. I will have my photo deleted since it shows an inaccuracy!

You are far more open-minded than many, Lin. Thank you for not being mad.

Lin, are you sure you don't want to upload a new version with the tepals labeled? I do think your labeled flower pictures are helpful to have in the database.

@Leftwood Rick, I could never be angry when someone is sharing knowledge; we all should want the database to be as accurate as possible and I really appreciate you pointing out the inaccuracy!

@Baja_Costero Baja, Thanks for your input. I've recently uploaded a few photos with annotations showing the flower parts but I wasn't sure if photos like that were welcome in the database or not. I find them helpful and I hope others do as well.

Since the correct terminology is Tepals instead of Petals, I've changed my photo as shown below. Any input is welcome and much appreciated:


If Lilium moderator @pardalinum confirms that it's ok to do so, I will move the corrected photo over to the database to replace the deleted one.

Fine with me.

Thanks Connie, I'll move it over.

Yes, Lin. I think that is especially good because for the tepals, you pointed to a petal and a sepal.

plantladylin said: I've recently uploaded a few photos with annotations showing the flower parts but I wasn't sure if photos like that were welcome in the database or not. I find them helpful and I hope others do as well.

As well as "regular" flowers like daylilies, this is especially good for flowers that can be confusing, like iris, orchids and composite flowers like zinnias.

Rick, how do you differentiate between a petal and a sepal? Is the petal the broader one?

With lilies (and plants of Liliaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Iridaceae and Alliaceae), there is a set of the three (sepals) that are attached to the stem behind the other set of three (petals) . With Lilium, the petals usually are more broad, but that is not what sets them apart as petals. It is the position.

With most plants that have sepals and petals, it's usually easier to differentiate because they look quite different, but the sepals will always be behind the petals. Some flowers only have patals and no sepals, some have sepals and no petals, some have no petals or sepals, some have bracts that look like petals (or sepals). Mother nature is incredibly diverse!