Asphodelus fistulosus L.
Family: Liliaceae*

Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)

Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav.

Note—Some authors consider Asphodelus fistulosus to be a distinct species from A. tenuifolius Cav., while others consider the two to be synonymous. Here, we are treating them as synonymous.

*sometimes this genus is placed in the Asphodelaceae or Xanthorrhoeaceae

Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)

onionweed

Primary Disseminule Type

seed

Description (diagnostics are in brown)

Fruit a 3-segmented capsule, 1–2 seeds per segment.

Seed sectoroid, (2.5)2.8–3.5 mm long, 1.5–2.2 mm wide, 1–2 mm thick, cross-section triangular to sector-shaped with sharp edges. Two flat faces with 2 to 3 or more depressions or deep cavities on each, convex face with about 4 transverse shallow depressions. Surface dull, light to dark gray and light brown to black. Additionally, some seeds may have a faint to distinct black stripe down each flat face. Surface distinctly pebbled.

Hilum inconspicuous.

Embryo axile-linear, extending from one pole nearly to the other, endosperm readily visible.

Risk Assessment (codes in yellow or red indicate cause for concern; assessments are current as of mid-2011; click AUQP, NZBORIC, or NZBPI for access to the most recent versions of these databases and possible assessment changes)

AUQP, NZBORIC, NZBPI