Asphodelus macrocarpus subsp. macrocarpus
Asphodelus macrocarpus subsp. macrocarpus, commonly known as the Large Asphodel, is a resilient perennial herb native to the Mediterranean. Renowned for its striking white blooms, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. Historically utilized in traditional medicine, its various components are studied for potential therapeutic properties and bioactive compounds.
- Scientific name: Asphodelus macrocarpus subsp. macrocarpus
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales, it falls under the family Asphodelaceae. Its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Asphodelus, specifically the subspecies macrocarpus.
| 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, Asphodelus macrocarpus subsp. macrocarpus, is known by various regional names depending on the language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the large-fruited asphodel, while in Spanish, it is known as asfódelo de fruto grande. In French, the plant is called asphodèle à gros fruit, and in German, it is identified as großfruchtiger Asphodel.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse range of locations across the European continent. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing in Hungary and Switzerland. Moving toward the Mediterranean, its presence extends into Southwestern Europe. Specifically, it inhabits the island of Corse and various regions within France. Finally, its distribution reaches the westernmost reaches of the continent in Portugal.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Asphodelus macrocarpum subsp. macrocarpum, is characterized by its distinctive structural components, most notably its fleshy root tubers which serve as primary storage organs for nutrients and water. The leaves are typically long, narrow, and linear in shape, growing in a basal rosette that allows the plant to efficiently capture sunlight. These succulent leaves are complemented by the substantial root tubers, which provide the plant with the necessary energy reserves to survive in its natural environment and contribute to its overall medicinal profile.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root tubers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Root tubers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Asphodelus macrocarpus subsp. macrocarpus has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |