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
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Subfamily: Allioideae
Genus: Allium
Subgenus: Allium subg. Melanocrommyum
Species:
A. aflatunense
Binomial name
Allium aflatunense
B. Fedtsch.

Description

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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

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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).[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Brickell, Christopher (Editor-in-chief), The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, p.95, Dorling Kindersley, London, 1996, ISBN 0-7513-0303-8.
  2. ^ RHS Plant Finder 2009–2010, p.68, Dorling Kindersley, London, 2009, ISBN 978-1-4053-4176-9.