Asphodelus macrocarpus

Asphodelus macrocarpus is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the genus Asphodelus of the Asphodelaceae family. The Latin name macrocarpus of this species derives from the Greek μακρός (meaning large) and καρπειον (meaning fruit), referred to the size of the fruits.

Description
Asphodelus macrocarpus grows to a height of 60 - 150 cm. The stem is erect, plain, cylindrical and glabrous. It is supported by fleshy, thickened roots (rhizomes). All the leaves are basal, gutter-shaped and covered by a greyish waxy coating. They are about 10 - 40 mm wide and 50 - 100 cm long. The terminal raceme is almost cylindrical, about 25 - 35 cm long. The flowers are hermaphroditic, funnel-shaped, about 4 cm of diameter, with six elongated white petals. The stamens have a white filament of about 17 mm. Anthers are oval, yellow- orange 2.5 mm long. The flowering period extends from late April through June. The egg-shaped yellow-green seed capsules are about 18 mm long.

Distribution and habitat
This plant is typical of the most of the Alps and of the Apennines (Italy). This plant is commonly found in meadows, uncultivated fields and mediterranean mountain pastures at an altitude of 300 - 1800 m above sea level.