Allium aflatunense
Allium aflatunense is a species of plant in the amaryllis family, native to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia. In other regions, it is commonly grown as a garden plant.[1]
Allium aflatunense | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
Subfamily: | Allioideae |
Genus: | Allium |
Species: | A. aflatunense |
Binomial name | |
Allium aflatunense B. Fedtsch. | |
Description
Allium aflatunense is a 0.9 m (36 in) tall bulbous perennial plant with basal, straplike leaves, and hollow, slightly ribbed scapes (flower stems).[1] The flower heads are dense, globular umbels, about 10 cm (4 in) across, made up of numerous star-shaped, purplish-pink flowers.[1] It flowers in May and June, with seeds ripening in August. It is commonly sold as a bulb.
A. aflatunense is often confused with A. hollandicum.[2]
Cultivation
Allium aflatunense is generally hardy in USDA zones 4–8. The plant is suitable for use as a cut flower. While it prefers alkaline soil, it can tolerate poor soil conditions, as well as part shade (though it does best in full sun).
References