Onion weed Quick Facts | |
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Name: | Onion weed |
Scientific Name: | Asphodelus fistulosus |
Origin | Mediterranean region including North Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe |
Colors | Initially green turning to brown as they mature |
Shapes | Small, brown, oval-shaped capsules that contain the plant's seeds |
Taste | Sweet and nutty, with a mild onion flavor |
Health benefits | Digestive Health, Respiratory Health, Anti-inflammatory and Pain-relieving Effects, Diuretic Properties, Antioxidant Activity, Anti-cancer Properties, Wound healing properties |
Name | Onion weed |
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Scientific Name | Asphodelus fistulosus |
Native | Mediterranean region including North Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and South Africa |
Common Names | Onion-leaved Asphodel, Onion weed, Hollow-stemmed Asphodel, Onion asphodel, Onion weed, Asphodel-leaved onion, Wild onion, Wild asparagus, Egyptian onion, Jacob’s rod, asphodel, asphodelus, common onion weed |
Name in Other Languages | Afrikaans: Uie onkruid Albanian: Barërat e këqija qepë, bardhër Amharic: Shinikuriti āremi (ሽንኩርት አረም) Arabic: Albasl (البصل), buruq ‘ajwaf (بروق أجوف) Aragonese: Cebollino, gamones, gamones de fruto pequeño, ñiños Armenian: Sokhi molakhot (սոխի մոլախոտ) Asturian: Gamonín Azerbaijani: Soğan otu Bengali: Pēm̐ẏāja āgāchā (পেঁয়াজ আগাছা), Ayāsaphōḍēlāsa phisṭulāsa (অ্যাসফোডেলাস ফিস্টুলোসাস) Bulgarian: Luk plevel (лук плевел) Burmese: Kyaatswan pain (ကြက်သွန်ပင်) Catalan: Argénit, calabruixas, cebollassa, caramuixa, ceba bullina, ceba de moro, cebollí, cibolla, gamonet, marranet, porrassí, porrina, vara de Sant Josep, cebollassa, cebollina, gamonera, marrano Chinese: Yángcōng zá cǎo (洋葱杂草) Croatian: Luk korov, cjevasti čepljez Czech: Cibule plevel, asfodel dutolistý Danish: Løg ukrudt, Hulstilket affodil Dutch: Ui wiet English: Onion weed, Wild onion, Hollow-stem asphodel, Onion asphodel, Hollow-stemmed Asphodel, Pink asphodel, hollow-leaved asphodel, hollow-stemmed asphodel Esperanto: Cepo Estonian: Sibula umbrohi Filipino: Sibuyas ng sibuyas Finnish: Sipuli rikkakasvien, Pillisoihtu French: l’oignon, Asphodèle fistuleux, asphodèle creux Georgian: Khakhvis sarevela (ხახვის სარეველა) German: Zwiebelkraut Lauch Bulbil, Röhren-Affodill, Röhriger Affodill Greek: Zizánio kremmydioú (ζιζάνιο κρεμμυδιού) Gujarati: Ḍuṅgaḷī nīndaṇa (ડુંગળી નીંદણ) Hausa: Albasa mai kaɗa Hebrew: עשב בצל, Irit nevuvah, עִירִית נְבוּבָה Hindi: Pyaaj kharapatavaar (प्याज खरपतवार), bhukat, bokat, pyazi, Jangli pyaz (जंगली प्याज़) Hungarian: Hagyma gyom Icelandic: Lauk illgresi Indonesian: Bawang bawang Irish: Fiailí oinniún Italian: Erbaccia di cipolla, Asfodelo fistoloso Japanese: Tamanegi zassō (タマネギ雑草) Javanese: Ganja bawang Kannada: Īruḷḷi kaḷe (ಈರುಳ್ಳಿ ಕಳೆ) Kazakh: Pïyaz aramşöpteri (пияз арамшөптері) Korean: Yangpa jabcho (양파 잡초) Kurdish: Giyayê bizinê Lao: Pen vadsa phud phakbov (ເປັນວັດສະພືດຜັກບົ່ວ) Latin: Cepa viriditas Latvian: Sīpolu nezāle Lithuanian: Svogūnų piktžolė Macedonian: Kromid plevel (кромид плевел) Majorcan: Ceba bullina, ceba-bullina, cebolí, cebollí, cebollins, cebullí, cibolla, cibollas, cibollí, porrassí Malagasy: Ahitra maitso Malay: Rumpai bawang Malayalam: Savāḷa kaḷa (സവാള കള) Maltese: Haxix ħażin tal-basla, berwieq żgħir Marathi: Kāndā taṇa (कांदा तण) Mongolian: Songiny khogiin urgamal (сонгины хогийн ургамал) Nepali: Pyaaj jhaar (प्याज झार) Norwegian: Lok ugras, Laukasfodill, Løkasfodill Oriya: ପିଆଜ ତୃଣ Pakistan: Pyazi Pashto: پیاز زیان رسوونکی واښه Persian: علفهای هرز پیاز Polish: Chwast cebulowy Portuguese: Erva daninha de cebola, Gambanito, abrótea-fina, abrótea-fistulosa, gambanito, gamão-fistuloso Punjabi: Pi āza būṭī (ਪਿਆਜ਼ ਬੂਟੀ) Romanian: Buruiana de ceapa Russian: Lukovitsa (луковица) Saudi Arabia: Barok, basal-esh sheitan Serbian: Luk korov (лук коров) Sindhi: بصرَ ٻري Sinhala: Lūnu valpælǣṭi (ලූනු වල්පැලෑටි) Slovenian: Cebulni plevel Spanish: Hierba de cebolla, Gamonita, Gamoncillo, caramuixa, abroita, cebolla de culebra, cebollada, cebollana borde, cebollera morisca, cebolletilla marranera, cebollín del monte, gamonera, gamonito, gamón, gobanita, gramones, jabonera, lirio silvestre, monecillo, oruga, pitolobo, tapaculos, varita de San José Sundanese: Bawang nalun Swedish: Lök ogräs, Pipafodill, Pip-afodill, Liten dödslilja Tajik: Alafhoi pijoz (алафҳои пиёз) Tamil: Veṅkāya kaḷai (வெங்காய களை) Telugu: Ullipāya kalupu (ఉల్లిపాయ కలుపు) Thai: H̄ạw h̄xm wạchphụ̄ch (หัวหอมวัชพืช) Turkish: Soğan out, allium bulbil, Hıdırellezkamçısı Ukrainian: Ripchasta tsybulya (ріпчаста цибуля) Urdu: Burg-e gundana, پیاز کی گھاس Uzbek: Piyoz o’ti Valencian: Argènit, caramuixa, cebollí, gamonet, porrasins, porrina Vietnamese: Hành lá Welsh: Chwyn nionyn Zulu: Ukhula anyanisi |
Plant Growth Habit | Erect, clump-forming, herbaceous, annual or short-lived perennial plant |
Growing Climates | Rocky slopes, fields, disturbed areas, coastal areas, open shrubby places, waste ground, roadsides, olive groves, open pine forest, sandy and rocky places, pastures, open woodlands, rangelands, railway lines, track-sides, uncultivated ground, grasslands, shrub lands, coastal environs and cropping areas |
Soil | Prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, but it does not thrive in waterlogged soil |
Plant Size | 50-120 cm (20-47 inches) in height |
Root | Roots are fibrous, thick and yellow |
Stem | Stems are long, thin, and tubular, and its hollow center is what makes it stand out |
Leaf | Long, slender stem and thin, grayish-green leaves that grow in a basal rosette. The leaves are cylindrical and hollow, and they have a slightly rough texture due to the presence of tiny hairs. |
Flowering season | July to August |
Flower | White or pink flowers are arranged alternately along the flowering stems which are longer than the leaves. |
Fruit Shape & Size | Small, brown, oval-shaped capsules that contain the plant’s seeds |
Fruit Color | Initially green turning to brown as they mature |
Seed | Seeds are triangular and dark brown or black, 0.13 in. (0.32 cm) long, and wrinkled with 3 or 6 per fruit |
Flavor/Aroma | Distinctive onion-like smell that is similar to that of garlic or chives |
Taste | Sweet and nutty, with a mild onion flavor |
Plant Parts Used | Bulbs, leaves, roots |
Propagation | By seeds or bulbs |
Lifespan | Can live for up to 5-10 years or more in its natural habitat |
Health benefits |
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Plant Description
Onion weed is a strong and hardy plant that grows in many different places. It can grow up to 50-120 cm (20-47 inches) tall and make clumps. It can be either an annual or a short-lived perennial. This plant can grow well in many different places, like rocky hills, fields, coastal areas, and even along railroad tracks. It grows well in open areas with a lot of shrubs, grasslands, and pastures. It also grows well on land that has never been farmed, meadows, and shrub lands. It does best in soil with a lot of organic matter and good drainage, but it can grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay. However, it does not perform well in waterlogged soil. Onion weed is a great choice for gardeners who want a plant that can grow in a variety of situations because it is flexible and hardy.
Roots
Onion weed depends on its strong and thick root system to stay alive. The roots are thin, white, and have many branches. They grow deep into the dirt to get water and food. The plant’s root system is very important because it takes these necessary elements from the soil and sends them to the stem and leaves so that photosynthesis can happen. The roots are also very important because they hold the plant down in the dirt and keep it from being blown over by things like wind. Onion weed can grow well in a wide range of conditions because its roots are strong and spread out. It can even live in bad conditions.
Stem
The stem is one thing that makes onion weed stand out. Like the leaves, it is long, thin, and tubular, and its hollow center is what makes it stand out. Because of this one-of-a-kind trait, the plant is often called “hollow-stemmed” asphodel. The surface of the stem is a little rough because of the tiny hairs that protect the plant from too much heat and drying out. The stem can grow up to one meter tall and branches out at the top to hold small white flowers in groups. The hollow stem is very important for the plant’s life because it lets water and food move freely from the roots to the leaves and flowers. Also, the stem gives the leaves and flowers support, which helps them grow tall and reach for the sun. Onion weed is a beautiful and useful addition to any yard or landscape because it has a unique shape and can grow in different places.
Bark
Onion weed is different from most other plants because it doesn’t have leaves. Instead, the stem is covered with tiny hairs that make it feel a little bit rough. These hairs are important because they keep the plant from drying out and getting too hot. Even though it doesn’t have real bark, the stem is still very important to the plant. It gives the leaves and flowers the support they need to grow and stay healthy. The stem also lets water and food move easily through the plant, making sure that every part of the plant gets what it needs to stay alive. Even though it has an unusual shape, onion weed is a tough and flexible plant that has a lot to offer in terms of both beauty and usefulness.
Leaves
The leaves of onion weed are what make the plant stand out. They look like grass and are long and thin. They are a grayish-green color. The leaves grow in a rosette shape from a center point close to the ground and can be up to 60 cm long. The leaves are flat and round, which adds to the unique look of the plant. They are covered in tiny hairs and have a rough feel that helps keep the plant from drying out or getting too hot. The leaves not only protect the plant, but they also take in sunshine and turn it into energy through a process called photosynthesis. The leaves of onion weed are an important part of this flexible and hardy plant because they help the plant stay alive.
Flower
The small, white flowers of onion weed are a lovely touch to this useful plant. They bloom in clusters at the top of the stem from spring to summer, giving a touch of natural beauty to any garden or landscape. Each flower has six thin, pointy petals that are white and make a circle that is about 1.5 cm in diameter. Pollinators like bees and butterflies are drawn to the bright center of the flower. These important insects help plants reproduce by moving pollen from one plant to another. The flowers are a key part of the process by which Onion weed reproduces. Onion weed is an important part of any ecosystem because it helps plants reproduce and has beautiful blooms.
Fruits
Onion weed grows small capsules that are oval and brown. Inside these capsules are the seeds of the plant. The shells are about 1 cm long, and when they are ready, they split open to let the seeds out. These seeds are a very important part of how the plant reproduces. After the flowers are pollinated, they make shells that hold many seeds that can be spread by animals or the wind. The seeds are small and brown, and they have a hard shell that helps protect them from harsh circumstances. As the shells open and the seeds fall out, onion weed can keep going through its life cycle and make more plants. Onion weed is a hardy and useful part of any ecosystem because it can reproduce quickly and adapt to a wide range of conditions.
Seeds
Small brown seeds are an important part of how onion weed reproduces. The seeds have a hard shell that protects them from tough conditions. The wind or animals then spread the seeds over a wide area. When the conditions are right, like when there is enough water and heat, the seeds will sprout and grow into new plants. In some cultures, the seeds have been used as medicine for a long time. However, before eating the plant, it is important to be careful and get help from a medical professional. Onion weed is a hardy and flexible plant with useful seeds and a good way to reproduce. It has a lot to offer in terms of both usefulness and beauty.
History
Onion weed is thought to have come from the Mediterranean area, but it is now found in many other places around the world. The plant has a long history of use as a traditional medicine, going back to the time of the Greeks and Romans. Asphodel was linked to the afterlife in Greek mythology. It was thought to grow in the fields of Elysium, a haven for the souls of brave and good people. The ancient Greeks also used the plant as a food source because they thought it could help them get better.
During the Middle Ages, onion weed was used to treat a variety of illnesses, such as stomach problems and skin problems. In traditional medicine, the plant’s roots have been used to treat diarrhea, pain, and inflammation in recent years. Onion weed is still an interesting and valuable plant because it has been used as medicine and has been important in culture for a long time.
Health benefits of Onion weed
Onion weed has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of this plant in more detail:
1. Digestive Health
The bulb of onion weed has been used for a long time as a natural laxative to treat constipation and other stomach problems. People think that the plant stimulates the digestive system and makes bowel movements more likely. This makes it a useful tool for keeping stomach healthy. Onion weed is both a laxative and a diuretic, which means it can help get rid of extra fluids and toxins from the body. This can help relieve bloating and other digestive problems. The bulb of onion weed is still a popular natural remedy for digestive problems because it has strong healing qualities and has been used for a long time. But it’s important to talk to a doctor before using the plant as medicine.
2. Respiratory Health
Onion weed is known to help with respiratory infections, coughs, and sore throats because it has healing qualities. The plant has chemicals in it that are thought to calm irritation in the respiratory system and reduce inflammation, making it a good natural treatment for these problems. Onion weed may also help the immune system respond better to lung infections, making it even better at treating these kinds of illnesses. Even though the plant has been used for these things in the past, you should talk to a medical worker before using it to treat respiratory problems. Onion weed is still an interesting and useful plant in traditional medicine because it has good qualities and could help improve respiratory health.
3. Anti-inflammatory and Pain-relieving Effects
Onion weed is a good natural way to treat pain and inflammation caused by diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout because it is anti-inflammatory and analgesic. The plant has strong chemicals that can help reduce pain and stiffness in the joints. This makes it a good way to treat people with these conditions. Onion weed has been used for these things in the past, but you should talk to a doctor before using it to help arthritis or similar conditions. Onion weed is still a very interesting and useful plant in traditional medicine because it can help relieve pain and stiffness and make joints move better.
4. Diuretic Properties
Because it is a diuretic, onion weed is good natural ways to increase urine output and help the body get rid of extra fluids and toxins. This can be especially helpful for people who have kidney stones or urinary tract problems. Also, the diuretic benefits of onion weed may help lower blood pressure by making the body hold less water. Even though the plant has been used for these things in the past, you should talk to a doctor before using it to treat problems with your kidneys or urinary system. Onion weed is still used in traditional medicine because it can improve the health of the urinary tract and lower blood pressure.
5. Antioxidant Activity
Onion weed has a unique chemical makeup that includes compounds with antioxidant qualities. This makes it a good natural way to protect the body from oxidative stress and stop the development of chronic diseases. Antioxidants are molecules that can get rid of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. By eating onion weed, people can get these important compounds into their bodies, which helps them fight off these dangerous substances. Even though the plant has been used for centuries because of its healing qualities, you should talk to a doctor before using it to treat any health problem. Onion weed is still used in traditional medicine because it has powerful vitamins and might protect against chronic diseases.
6. Anti-cancer Properties
Recent studies have shown that onion weed may be able to stop the growth of cancer cells, which suggests that it may have anti-cancer qualities. The plant has chemicals in it that are harmful to cancer cells. This means that they can kill cancer cells without hurting healthy cells. Also, the chemicals in onion weed may help to kill cancer cells by causing apoptosis, which slows their growth even more. Even though these results look good, more study is needed to confirm that the plant could be used to treat cancer. Before using onion weed for medical reasons, it’s important to talk to a doctor, just like you should before using any other natural remedy. Onion weed is still an interesting topic to study in the field of natural medicine because it might have useful qualities and could be used as a treatment.
7. Wound healing properties
Onion weed has been used for a long time as a way to help wounds heal. Recent studies have shown that it is good at helping wounds heal and lowering the risk of infection. Compounds in the plant have been found to have strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities, which can help to keep wounds from getting infected and reduce swelling. Onion weed may also help promote the growth of new tissue, which can help the body heal itself. Even though the plant has been used for these things in the past, you should talk to a medical expert before using it to treat wounds. Traditional medicine still finds onion weed to be a fascinating and useful plant because it can help the body heal itself and avoid infections.
Traditional uses and benefits of Onion weed
- Onion weed has been used in traditional medicine for many different things.
- The bulb of the plant is used to treat urinary and stomach problems because it is diuretic and laxative.
- It is also used to treat respiratory infections, coughs, and sore throats.
- The plant has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects and is used to treat rheumatism and arthritis.
- People also think that the plant can fight cancer.
- The plant was used to treat fever and coughs in old Chinese medicine.
- In Iran, the plant was used to treat bites and stings from snakes and scorpions.
- In traditional Moroccan medicine, the plant was used to treat skin diseases and as a laxative.
- In traditional medicine, the plant’s bulb was used to treat stomach problems, respiratory infections, and arthritis, among other things.
- Bulb is thought to help the digestive system and make bowel movements more likely.
- It is also used to treat lung infections and sore throats because it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
- The plant is also used to treat arthritis pain and swelling because it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Leaves can also be used to help wounds heal and reduce the chance of infection.
- In some countries, roots have been used for years to treat respiratory problems like coughs and asthma.
- Seeds can also be put on ulcers and other parts of the body that are inflamed.
- Seeds have oils that are high in linoleic acid and can help avoid atherosclerosis.
Culinary Uses
It has been used for culinary purposes in some cultures. Here are some examples:
Edible bulbs
The roots of onion weed can be eaten raw or cooked. They taste sweet and nutty. In cooking, they are often used instead of onions or garlic.
Seasoning
Onion weed has leaves that taste mildly like onions and can be used as a spice in salads, soups, stews, and other foods.
Pickling
Onion weed roots can be pickled and eaten as a condiment or snack.
Herbal tea
Onion weed leaves can be used to make a plant tea that is said to help you get rid of fluids and ease pain.
Different Uses
It has been used for various purposes beyond its traditional and medicinal uses. Here are some examples:
Ornamental purposes
Due to its pretty white flowers and thin stem, onion weed can be grown as a yard plant for decoration.
Soil improvement
Onion weed has deep roots that can help improve the quality of the soil by breaking up hardened soil and making it better at holding water and nutrients.
Livestock feed
Due to the high nutritional value of onion weed, it has been used as a feed item for animals. The plant has a lot of energy, carbohydrates, and minerals, so grazing animals can eat it.
Soil erosion control
Due to its deep roots and ability to hold the dirt in place, onion weed has been used in some places to stop soil erosion.
Biofuel production
Because it has a lot of oil, onion weed has been looked at as a possible source of energy. The plant can grow on land that isn’t very good for anything else, and it can make oil that can be used to make biodiesel.
Traditional crafts
In some countries, the stem of onion weed has been used to make baskets, mats, and other traditional items.
Other Uses
- Onion weed is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
- It is valued for its pretty flowers and leaves and is often used in rock gardens and xeriscapes.
- The plant is also used to make arrangements with cut flowers.
- In ancient Egypt, the plant was used to make perfume and was thought to have healing powers.
- In Greek legend, the asphodel was thought to grow in the fields of Elysium, a paradise for the souls of brave and good people who had died.
- The plant was also put on graves and used in burial ceremonies.
- In some countries, the plant has been used in traditional ceremonies and celebrations.
- The most common part of the plant used in cooking is the bulb, which is often used in place of onions or garlic.
References:
http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-275522
https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=42788#null
https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.7377
https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/ASHFI
https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/228820
http://www.cretanflora.com/asphodelus_fistulosus.html
http://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000636824
https://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Asphodelus+fistulosus
https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Onion-Weed.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphodelus_fistulosus
http://www.tn-grin.nat.tn/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=5573
https://inaturalist.ca/taxa/75606-Asphodelus-fistulosus
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Asphodelus+fistulosus#
https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ASFI2