Asphodel

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Image:Dscn1158-asphodel-flower-and-fruits.jpg

The Asphodel (Asphodelus ramosus, Liliaceae) is the flower said to fill the plains of Hades, the mythological Greek underworld. As it was the favourite food of the dead, the ancient Greeks would often plant it near graves. The Asphodel is sacred to Persephone, or Proserpine in Roman mythology, who was forcefully taken to the underworld by Hades (Pluto). Persephone is the daughter of Demeter (Ceres).

The Bog Asphodel, Narthecium americanum, belongs to the family Nartheciaceae. It has grass-like leaves and a stalk about 40 cm tall with small yellow flowers.

The False Asphodel, Tofieldia racemosa and other species, with small white flowers, also belongs to the Liliaceae.es:Asphodelus ramosus fr:Asphodèle ramifié nl:Affodil