Asphodelus ramosus, L.

3. A. ramosus L. , Sp. Pl. 310 (1753) View Cited Treatment

( A. cerasiferus Gay ; inch A. lusitanicus Coutinho , A. messeniacus Heldr. ).

Perennial with napiform roots. Leaves 15-40 x 1-3(-4) cm, flat, somewhat keeled. Scape 40-150 cm, solid, usually much-branched, the lateral branches almost as long as the terminal. Bracts scarious to pale green. Perianth-segments 15-20 mm, lanceolate or linearoblong, obtuse. Capsule 8-14 x 5-11 mm, ovoid. 2/2 = 28,56,84. S. W. Europe, extending locally eastwards to S. W. Greece. Co Ga Gr Hs It Ju Lu Sa Si.

Plants said to be of hybrid origin involving 3 and 4 have been called A. chambeironii Jordan, Bull. Soc. Bot. Fr. 7: 736 (1860) ( A. morisianus Pari. ). They are intermediate between the parents in flower- and fruit-characters and occur in S.W. Europe where the ranges overlap. It has been suggested that 3 is itself of hybrid origin, possibly involving 2(a) and 4, but further study is required.