Allium giganteum
Giant onion | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
Subfamily: | Allioideae |
Genus: | Allium |
Species: | A. giganteum
|
Binomial name | |
Allium giganteum | |
Synonyms[2][3] | |
Allium procerum Trautv. ex Regel |
Allium giganteum, common name giant onion, is an Asian species of onion, native to central and southwestern Asia but cultivated in many countries as a flowering garden plant.[4][5] It is the tallest species of Allium in common cultivation, growing to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft).[6]
In early to midsummer, small globes of intense purple umbels appear, followed by attractive fruiting umbels. A popular cultivar, 'Globemaster', is shorter (80 centimetres (31 in)) but produces much larger, deep violet, umbels (15–20 centimetres (5.9–7.9 in)). Both varieties have been granted the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[7][8][9]
In nature, the species is found in Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.[3] In cultivation in the US, it performs well in USDA hardiness zones 6–10.[10]
Eating flowers, seeds, leaves, and stems can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to the sulfides they contain.[11]
Flower opening
Flower fully open
References[]
- ^ Eduard August von Regel. 1883. Gartenflora 32: 91.
- ^ The Plant List
- ^ a b Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
- ^ Regel, Eduard August von 1883. Gartenflora (1883) 32: 91
- ^ Tropicos, Allium giganteum Regel
- ^ Missouri Botanical Garden: Allium giganteum
- ^ Allium giganteum Royal Horticultural Society
- ^ Allium 'Globemaster' Royal Horticultural Society
- ^ Plants For A Future: Allium giganteum
- ^ "Allium giganteum (Ornamental Onion)". Gardenia.net. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
- ^ "Allium giganteum (Giant Ornamental Onion, Ornamental Onion) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox". plants.ces.ncsu.edu. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
- Allium
- Garden plants of Asia
- Flora of temperate Asia
- Onions
- Plants described in 1883
- Taxa named by Eduard August von Regel
- Allium stubs