Asphodelus macrocarpus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered as Asparagales and placed in the family Asphodelaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Asphodelus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical presence across several regions of the European continent. Within Middle Europe, its range extends to countries such as Hungary and Switzerland. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it can be found in the Southwestern European territories of France and Portugal. Additionally, its distribution includes the island of Corse in the Southwestern region. Together, these locations highlight the varied environmental niches inhabited by the species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Asphodelus macrocarpus is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its biological structure and survival strategy, the species functions as a cryptophyte, protecting its vital organs beneath the soil surface to endure environmental stressors. Furthermore, it is classified as a geophyte, utilizing specialized underground storage organs to facilitate its long-term survival and regrowth within its habitat.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Asphodelus macrocarpus is characterized by a growth habit that ranges in plant height from a minimum of 0.5 m to a maximum of 1 m. The species functions as a self-supporting climber, meaning it does not rely on other structures for mandatory upward movement but possesses the capacity to ascend. It is an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies, and maintains a terrestrial life form rather than growing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1 m

Plant height min:

0.5 m

Reproduction

The reproduction of Asphodelus macrocarpus is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window that dictates its reproductive cycle. The flowering period typically begins in May and continues through the early summer months, with the process concluding in July. While the precise timing can be subject to environmental variability, the primary window for floral development and subsequent pollination occurs during this mid-year interval.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jul

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Asphodelus macrocarpus has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Asphodelus macrocarpus has 17 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Chrysophanol, Condensed Tannins, Terpenoids, ANTHRAQUINONE, Aloe emodin.

Chrysophanol

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Condensed Tannins

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Terpenoids

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

ANTHRAQUINONE

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Aloe emodin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Asphodelin

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Condensed Tannin

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Diosmetin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Flavonoid

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Asphodelus macrocarpus has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Inflammatory.

Inflammatory

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Asphodelus macrocarpus has 4 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include inflammation, skin diseases, ulcers, urinary tract.

Inflammation

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Skin diseases

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Ulcers

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Urinary tract

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Asphodelus macrocarpus has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include crude 70% and 96% hydroethanolic extracts, dried root tubers.

Crude 70% and 96% hydroethanolic extracts

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Dried root tubers

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)