Asphodelus ramosus

Taxobox
name = Asphodelus ramosus


image_width = 240px
image_caption = "Asphodelus ramosus"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Asparagales
familia = Asphodelaceae
genus = "Asphodelus"
species = "A. ramosus"
binomial = "Asphodelus ramosus"
binomial_authority = Willd.

"Asphodelus ramosus", also known as Branched asphodel, is a perennial herb in the Asparagales order. Similar in appearance to "Asphodelus albus" and particularly "Asphodelus cerasiferus", it may be distinguished by its highly branched stem and smaller fruits.

In addition, at least on the Catalan coast where it is very common, in contrast to other asphodels, it shows an affinity for acidic soils, mainly schist. It is to be found close to the sea on the slopes of the Albères massif, where it forms abundant colonies in April to May. Its very numerous flowers are white with six tepals bearing a central brown streak. The fruits are small round capsules.

In Mythology

The asphodel was the flower said to fill the plains of Hades, the Greek underworld. As it was considered the favourite food of the dead, the Ancient Greeks would often plant it near graves. The asphodel was sacred to Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, who was forcefully taken to the underworld by Hades.