Affodil is a monocotyledonous plant, of which there are about 20 species. It can grow over a meter tall and can find a suitable place anywhere. Whether in the high mountains or on the coast, the plant impresses with a long life. Since the asphodel is slightly poisonous, internal use is not recommended. The plant is a protected species in Europe.
Occurrence and cultivation of the asphodel
Affodil, which is mainly native to the Mediterranean region, is an asparagus-like plant that belongs to the grass family. Affodil, which is mainly native to the Mediterranean region, is an asparagus-like plant that belongs to the grass family. The plant is easily recognized especially by its size, which can range from up to one meter. To thrive, the asphodel generally prefers calcareous soils in the mountains. It does not mind hot and dry summer months, as it survives these well. Since the asphodel has very hard leaves and is avoided by cattle, it is also found in large numbers in heavily grazed meadows. The very gregarious asphodel forms groups that can fill entire meadows. Especially in winter, they are approached by bees as well as the endemic Canary Island ground bumblebees. However, since the plant is slightly poisonous, it is not suitable as a forage plant. With a full sun as well as a loamy sandy soil, the perennial herbaceous plant can have a life span of ten years. It can reach growth heights of one to two meters and form a rhizome. This describes a shoot axis system that grows underground or even close to the ground. The inflorescence of the asphodel is usually branched. The long and narrow bracts are white or rarely pale pink. The stout flowers grow in clusters along the ends of the stems. The stems sprout straight up into the air. The flowering period of the spherical, trifoliate capsule fruit, which is about 10 to 15 millimeters long, is from May to August. In summer, egg-shaped capsules containing the seeds appear on the white flowers of the plant. The above-ground parts of the plant die back towards the end of summer and the capsules gradually dry out, eventually bursting open and releasing the seeds. Tubers are formed underground to survive the summer period. In general, the asphodel is low maintenance and is rarely attacked by pests.
Effect and application
In ancient times, the starchy tubers of the plant were eaten and they were also an important food source among the pre-Greek tribes, before the introduction of cereal crops. To remove the bitter substances, they were either boiled or roasted. They are also said to have been used for baking bread when mixed with cereals. In other areas, the asphodel is also used: Affodil is suitable for alpine gardens, perennial borders, or large rock gardens. It is best used as a solitary plant, for example as a large white flowering perennial in front of a conifer or other dark background. It can be planted equally well as a small group in a sandy border. In these cases, the asphodel is used as an ornamental plant. Likewise, the plant is suitable as a single eye-catcher in a rock garden or in combination with lavender or herbs such as rosemary, sage and thyme. This uncomplicated plant thrives well without the need for watering or fertilizing. Appropriate seeds are available in stores. Affodil is usually hardy and only requires protection in an unprotected spot or during a severe frost. In the summer months, when the plant’s leaves wither, it draws on the moisture it has collected in its thickened roots, but the flower stalks still stick upright. Any pruning should be done in the spring. In the industrial sector, the active ingredients of the root are used to obtain alcohol and to make glue. The withered stems are also used to make beautiful windmills. On the island of Corsica, the flowers with the stems are cut off for All Saints’ Day, then soaked in olive oil to set fire to them around the graves. The asphodel was considered a plant of mourning in ancient times, and it is also a popular cemetery plant in southern Europe. The storage root is an ideal food when roasted and mixed with figs, for example.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Its use as a medicinal plant has also been of great importance since time immemorial. The medicinal use in folk medicine is found in the dried state of the root. Hydroxyanthracene derivatives, for example, asphodelin, lipids, triterpenes, mucilages and phytosterols are found in it. The fresh roots have a pungent taste and extraction is by collection from wild sources. The cooked roots of the asphodel help with indigestion and stomach ulcers. Since the plant should rather be avoided as a food because of its toxicity, it can rather complement a tea mixture. In any case, a thoughtful dosage is very important. In addition, the crushed tubers can be used to make a paste for a poultice, which helps externally with skin problems, inflammation and ulcers. The dried roots are also used against water retention. Affodil has several therapeutic properties: diuretic, diuretic and kidney stimulant. However, application should always be done cautiously due to the slight toxicity of asphodel. Internal use should rather be avoided and other medicinal herbs should be resorted to instead.
