Allium caeruleum, Pallas

54. A. caeruleum Pallas , Reise 2: 737 (1773).

Bulbs 1-2 cm in diameter, subglobose; outer tunics membranous. Stem 20-80 cm. Leaves 2-4, 7 cm x 2-4 mm, sheathing the lower of the stem, linear, triquetrous with prominent keel. Spathe up to 1-5 cm, 2-valved; valves ovate, acute or acuminate, persistent. Umbel 3-4 cm in diameter, subglobose or hemispherical, manyflowered; pedicels 10-20 mm, almost equal. Perianth cupshaped; segments 3-5-4-5x 1-2-1-4 mm, blue, with darker midvein, lanceolate, acute. Stamens equalling or slightly longer than segments; filaments 4 mm, simple, broadly triangular at base, narrowed above, connate into an annulus at base; anthers blue. Capsule 3 mm. Salt-marshes and steppes. S.E. Russia. R s(E). (C. A ha.)