Asphodelus fistulosus

Onion weed, Hollow-leaves asphodel

Xanthorrhoeaceae Edible: Root, Leaves 11,071 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Asphodelus fistulosus is a species of plant known as hollow-stemmed asphodel, onionweed, onion-leafed asphodel, and pink asphodel. It is native to the Mediterranean region as well as the Arabian Peninsula, Transcaucasus, and Madeira. It is an invasive exotic weed in the United States, with significant infestations in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It is listed as a Federal Noxious Weed by the United States Department of Agriculture. It is also a common weed in parts of Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico, and it thrives in any area with a Mediterranean climate. It is an annual or short-lived perennial herb growing a hollow stem up to 70 cm (28 in) tall. The root system has a series of tuber-like parts at the base of the stem. The plant takes the form of a large tuft of onion-like rounded hollow leaves up to 30 cm (12 in) long. The inflorescence is a panicle with widely spaced flowers. Each flower is 5–12 mm (0.2–0.5 in) wide with six tepals which are generally white or very pale pink with a neat central longitudinal stripe of brown to reddish-purple. The flowers are diurnal, closing at night and in overcast or low-light weather conditions. The fruit is a rounded capsule containing six seeds. Two subspecies are accepted. Asphodelus fistulosus subsp. fistulosus – Mediterranean basin, Arabian Peninsula, and Transcaucasus Asphodelus fistulosus subsp. madeirensis Simon – Madeira

Description

A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It is erect. It can be 60 cm high. The leaves near the base are long, hollow and like a cylinder. The flowering stems are round and hollow. The flower buds are pink. The open flowers are pink to white. There are 6 petals and orange coloured anthers. The fruit is a wrinkled capsule. It contains 3-6 black wrinkled seeds which are triangle shaped.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked. The root is fibrous according to one report whilst another says that the swollen root has radical root fibres. The plant is eaten as a vegetable, records of 'edible bulbs' seem to be erroneous.

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Skin The seed is diuretic. It is also applied externally to ulcers and inflamed parts of the body. The seed contains oils rich in linoleic acid and are of value in preventing atherosclerosis.

Distribution

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows on dry, rocky and waste places. It needs well-drained soils. It suits a shaded position. It grows in warm temperate places. It is damaged by drought and frost. Tasmania Herbarium.

Where It Grows

TEMPERATE ASIA: Cyprus, Egypt (Sinai), Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey EUROPE: Former Yugoslavia, Greece (incl. Crete), Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Spain (incl. Baleares), France (incl. Corsica), Portugal AFRICA: Spain (Canarias), Portugal (Madeira Islands), Algeria (north), Morocco, Tunisia (possibly)

Cultivation

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, tolerating partial shade. Requires a well-drained soil. Prefers a deep rich sandy loamy soil. Prefers a sunny position in a soil that is not too rich. Grows well on hot dry banks. This species is often a short-lived perennial, though it is not very hardy in Britain. This has contributed to the mistaken belief that it is an annual. A covering of bracken overwinter is usually ample protection in most districts. Asphodelus fistulosus has become a noxious weed in California and in other places with Mediterranean climates worldwide. The flowers are sweetly scented. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagation

Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. When the plants are large enough to handle, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in early spring or autumn.

Other Uses

None known Special Uses Scented Plants

Synonyms

A. tenuifolius. Cav.

Also Known As

Asphodel, Bouzlima, Cebollino, Izian, Pink asphodel

References (26)

Al-Sodany, Y. M., et al, 2013, Medicinal Plants in Saudi Arabia: I. Sarrwat Mountains at Taif, KSA. Academic Journal of Plant Sciences 6 (4): 134-145
Ambasta S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 60
Ben Ismail, H., 2013, Edible Wild Vegetables Used in North West of Tunisia. PARIPEX - Indian Journal of Reearch 2(9) :219-221
Bircher, A. G. & Bircher, W. H., 2000, Encyclopedia of Fruit Trees and Edible Flowering Plants in Egypt and the Subtropics. AUC Press. p 45
Blamey, M and Grey-Wilson, C., 2005, Wild flowers of the Mediterranean. A & C Black London. p 469

Show all 26 references

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