The range of gynoecial structure in monocotyledons is examined in the context of current understanding of phylogenetic relationships, with particular reference to lilioid monocots, especially Asparagales. Major variations in gynoecial structure in lilioids include degree of syncarpy, occurrence and position of septal nectaries, and hypogyny versus epigyny. Structural evidence from septal nectaries, combined with recent molecular phylogenetic studies, indicates multiple origins of epigyny within monocots in general and Asparagales in particular, including possible separate de novo evolution of epigyny within the orchids and some other lower asparagoids. However, the infralocular septal nectaries that occur in genera of the sister clade to the higher asparagoids (e.g., Xanthorrhoea and Phormium) support a reversal from epigyny to hypogyny in this group, as indicated by optimization of this character on a recent phylogeny of Asparagales. The complex pattern of evolution of gynoecial structures in monocots ma...