48 
ALASSIO AND ITS FLORA 
Asphodelus fistulosus (Linnaeus). 
(Nat. Ord. Liliaceae) 
Small clumps from 3 to 5 decim. high 
and from 2 to 4 wide, resembling those of 
the bulrush in the form of its leaves which 
rise straight from the ground, round, acumi- 
nated like so many quills of a porcupine. 
Scape upright single or with branches 
at the top, higher than the leaves, rather 
larger at the base than a penholder. Roots 
numerous, in a bundle, entangled, wavy, 
rather fleshy and vertical. 
Leaves flattened and clasping at the 
joint, all springing from the root, cylin- 
drical or nearly so in the rest of their 
length, terminating gradually in a fine 
point, hollow inside. 
Flowers white in a long raceme, more 
compact before flowering, resembling the 
flowering top of Asparagus, with inferior 
bracts equal to the peduncles. Petals 6, 
white or slightly tinged with pink, with a 
red-greenish stripe on the back, elliptical; 
Stamens 6 (three of which are shorter than 
