Asphodelus macrocarpus
Asphodelus macrocarpus, commonly known as the large-fruited asphodel, is a resilient perennial herb native to various Mediterranean and subtropical regions. Renowned for its striking architectural foliage and nectar-rich blooms, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value, traditionally utilized in diverse cultures for its unique therapeutic and medicinal properties.
- Scientific name: Asphodelus macrocarpus
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Native range: Europe
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.
| 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 macrocarpus, is recognized by various regional names across different linguistic traditions. In Arabic, it is referred to as بلسكي, while in the Kabyle language, it is commonly called Aberwaq. Similarly, in Persian, the plant is known as بلسکی.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ar | بلسكي | Wikidata |
| kab | Aberwaq | Wikidata |
| fa | بلسکی | Wikidata |
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.
| 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 macrocarpus, utilizes its root tubers as a primary structural and storage component. These specialized underground organs serve to store essential nutrients and water, allowing the plant to persist through unfavorable environmental conditions and providing the energy necessary for seasonal regrowth. In the context of its medicinal properties, these tubers are often the specific part of the plant targeted for study or collection.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Root Tubers | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Asphodelus macrocarpus has 17 reported phytochemicals identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include chrysophanol, condensed tannins, terpenoids, aloe-emodin, anthraquinone.
- Total chemicals
- 17
- Scientific sources
- 20
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| chrysophanol | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| condensed tannins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aloe-emodin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthraquinone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asphodelin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| condensed tannin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diosmetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Asphodelus macrocarpus has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Inflammatory.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Asphodelus macrocarpus has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, skin diseases, ulcers, urinary tract.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ulcers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| urinary tract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |