Allium macrum

S. Watson

Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 14: 233. 1879.

Endemic
Synonyms: Allium equicaeleste H. St. John
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 26. Treatment on page 267. Mentioned on page 232.

Bulbs 1–3, not clustered on stout, primary rhizome, globose to ovate, 0.6–2 × 0.5–1.5 cm; outer coats enclosing 1 or more bulbs, brownish, membranous, lacking cellular reticulation or cells arranged in only 2–3 rows distal to roots, ± quadrate, without fibers; inner coats white, lacking cellular reticulation. Leaves usually persistent, withering from tip at anthesis, 2, basally sheathing, sheaths not extending much above soil surface; blade solid, flat or channeled, ± falcate, 12–38 cm × 2–3 mm, margins entire. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, solid, ± terete, not expanded proximal to inflorescence, 9–32 cm × 0.5–4 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, loose, 10–20-flowered, globose, bulbils unknown; spathe bracts persistent, 2, 3–7-veined, lanceolate to lance-ovate, ± equal, apex abruptly acute. Flowers campanulate, 5–7 mm; tepals spreading, white or pinkish with prominent red midveins, narrowly lanceolate, ± equal, becoming papery in fruit, margins entire, apex acuminate; stamens equaling tepals or exserted; anthers yellow; pollen yellow; ovary crested; processes 3, thick, obtuse, margins entire; style linear, equaling stamens; stigma capitate, scarcely thickened, unlobed; pedicel 5–20 mm. Seed coat dull; cells ± smooth. 2n = 14.


Phenology: Flowering Apr–May.
Habitat: Barren, gravelly soils
Elevation: 100–1400 m

Discussion

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.