Asphodelus aestivus
Asphodelus aestivus, commonly known as Summer Asphodel, is a resilient perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. Renowned for its striking white flowers, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. Traditionally utilized in various folk medicines, it is studied for its potential bioactive properties and its historical role in ancient herbalism.
- Scientific name: Asphodelus aestivus
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It falls into the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales, specifically within the family Asphodelaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its genus, Asphodelus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asparagales | WCVP |
| Family | Asphodelaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Asphodelus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Asphodelus aestivus, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Arabic, it is called برووق صيفي (ar) or simply برواق (aeb-arab). In Czech, it is recognized as asfodel drobnoplodý (cs), while in Slovenian, it is known as poletni zlati koren (sl). Additionally, in Spanish contexts, it is sometimes identified as Asphodelus microcarpus (es).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ar | بروق صيفي | Wikidata |
| aeb-arab | برواق | Wikidata |
| cs | asfodel drobnoplodý | Wikidata |
| sl | poletni zlati koren | Wikidata |
| es | Asphodelus microcarpus | Wikidata |
| es | Asphodelus ramosus subsp. ramosus | Wikidata |
| es | Asphodelus tardiflorus | Wikidata |
| es | Asphodelus littoralis | Wikidata |
| es | Asphodelus infestus | Wikidata |
| es | Asphodelus fuscatus | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily located within the specific regions of Southwestern Europe. Its natural habitat includes the coastal and inland areas of Portugal. Furthermore, it is widely distributed throughout the landscapes of Spain. These two countries represent the core geographical range for the species. Therefore, its presence is concentrated within this particular part of the European continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Asphodelus aestivalis, possesses various anatomical structures, but its medicinal properties are frequently associated with its underground components. Specifically, the roots serve as a vital part of the plant's biological makeup, often being the focus of traditional herbal studies. These roots are essential for the plant's nutrient absorption and stability, and in many ethnobotanical contexts, they are the primary parts harvested for their bioactive compounds.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Asphodelus aestivus has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Asphodelus aestivus has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |