About Asphodelus ramosus L.
Asphodelus ramosus L. is a geophyte that grows an underground storage organ to survive difficult conditions like extreme heat and drought. Its leaves reach between 60 cm (24 inches) and 80 cm (31 inches) in height. These leaves contain alkaloids that are toxic to sheep and goats during wet winter months, but lose this toxicity in summer once the leaves dry out. This species produces very numerous white flowers, each with six tepals that have a central brown streak. Its fruits are small, round capsules. In traditional folk practice, glue is made from the plant's root, and a root-derived remedy is used to treat warts. Dioscorides recorded that a root concoction mixed with wine causes vomiting. Formerly, the whole plant was used to treat bites from venomous snakes, though this use has not been confirmed effective by scientific research.
