Allium pallens, L.

57. A. pallens L. , Sp. Pl. ed. 2, 427 (1762).

Bulbs 1-1-5 cm in diameter; outer tunic membranous. Stem 10—30(—65) cm. Leaves 3-4, 6-16(-30) cmx 0-5-2(-5) mm, filiform to linear, sheathing the lower of the stem. Spathe 2-valved; valves unequal, persistent, narrowly ovate or lanceolate at base, con­ tracted above into a slender appendage, longer than the pedicels, the longest 2-5-10 cm. Umbel l-5-3- 5 cm in diameter, hemi­ spherical or fastigiate, compact, 10- to 70-flowered; pedicels 5-15 mm, almost equal, up to 25 mm in fruit. Perianth narrowly campanulate; segments 3 -5-5 x 1 - 5-2 mm, white or pink, narrowly oblong, slightly wider above than below the middle. Stamens included, with partly exserted anthers; filaments 3 -5- 4 mm, almost as long as segments, connate at base into an annulus 1 mm high; anthers yellow. Ovary narrowly ellipsoid, 2-3 times as long as wide at anthesis. Capsule 4 mm. 2n = 16. S. Europe. BI Bu Co Gr Hs It Ju Lu?Rs (K) Sa Si Tu.

In their usual states A. paniculatum and A. pallens are readily distinguished, but some herbarium specimens are difficult to allocate. The inrolling of the upper edges of the perianth- segments in drying often makes them appear more acute than they really are.