Genus Ixiolirion is represented in Kashmir by a single species, I. tataricum. Plants collected from Pampore are hexaploid with 72 chromosomes. Karyology and mode of chromosome synapsis during male meiosis indicate that the population is a segmental alloploid. Comparison of karyotypes reveals that the chromosomes of Ixiolirion hardly bear any structural homology with members of either Alstroemerieae or Agaveae. Presence of leafy scape and subumbellate inflorescence alongwith cytological features like very small chromosomes and symmetric karyotype give Ixiolirion a unique and primitive position in Amaryllidaceae (sensu Hutchinson) and justify its treatment into a distinct tribe Ixiolirieae or subfamily Ixiolirioideae. Similarity between Ixiolirion and Hemerocallideae in both plant morphology and chromosome complement supports their placement close to one another. Polyploidy and segregational irregularities during meiosis explain the existence of morphological diversity and consequent taxonomic confusion in the genus.