Melanthiaceae (false hellebore) species were once considered to be part of the liliaceae family, as the flowers are comparable: large and colorful, formed of three sepals and three petals which are similar in appearance. Plants grow from bulbs or rhizomes, and often have whorled or spirally arranged leaves. Sepals and petals can be free or partly fused. Flowers have six stamens, with anthers attached in the middle or towards the base. There are 31 species in the US, from seven genera.