Asphodelus aestivus is a perennial asphodel that grows on infertile locations,
like bare rocky grounds, hillsides, roadsides or pastures
in any Mediterranean country.
In Greece, it blooms from the end of February to early June
and usually gets 1-1.5 m tall. Its flowers are about 3 cm wide.
It is avoided by grazing animals;
a fact that frequently allows it to form colonies of a vast number of plants.
Its swollen and fleshy roots contain a great deal of starch
and are said to be … tasteless but edible.
(No confirmation. Sorry 😢!
I’ve never tried them and I’m not sure I’ll ever do!)
On the other hand,
I’ve read that the roots at one time were gathered
for use in the production of glue for bookbinding! Interesting!
The picture was taken - in a seemingly not so infertile area - on Mt. Hymittos.