Nomenclature

Species name :

Allium amethystinum  Tausch

Author(s) :

Ignaz Friedrich Tausch;
   Austria, 1793-1848

Principal synonym :

Allium veronense, Allium cilicicum, Allium approximatum, Allium densiflorum, Allium descendens, Allium purpureum, Allium rollii

Plant Family :

Alliaceae 
(Onion Family)

General name(s) :

Round-Headed Leek

Maltese name(s) :

Tewm Kaħlani

Status for Malta :

Indigenous. Originating from the Maltese islands

Remarks :

Can be easily mistaken with Allium sphaerocephalon L., which have the inflorescence with a more spherical shape from the conical form of A. amethystinum Tausch.

Specifications & Description

Life Cycle:

Perennial.

Growth Form:

GEOPHYTE (Bulbous/Rhizomous plants)

Habitat:

Arid rocky places and garigues.

Frequency:

Rare

Localities in Malta:

Scarce-Rare found for example at Dingli cliffs and Mellieha.

Plant Height:

30-70cm.

Flowering Period:

Jun - Jul

Protection in Malta:

Not Protected by Law (LN200/2011 or LN311/2006)

Red List 1989:

This species has a threatened status and is listed in the Flora section of the National Red Data Book (Lanfranco, 1989)

Poison:

Data not available