Flora-Fauna

Allium pseudostamineum Kollmann & Shmida

(Kollmann & Shmida, Israel J. Bot. 26: 138; 1977 – description after Brullo et al., Bocconea 21: 325–343; 2007)

• Bulb : Oblong-ovoid, 15 – 20 × 8 – 15 mm; outer tunics grey-brown, inner tunics membranous, purplish.

• Scape : 10 – 15 (– 20) cm tall.

• Leaves : Filiform, up to 8 cm long.

• Spathe : Slightly longer than the umbel; larger valve 3 – 4 cm, smaller valve 1.5 – 2 cm.

• Inflorescence : Compact, spherical to hemispherical, up to ± 50 flowers; pedicels sub-equal, 15 – 20 mm.

• Perianth : Tepals greenish-brown, rounded and apiculate or retuse at the apex, c. 5 mm long.

• Stamens : Filaments 5 – 7.5 mm.

• Capsule : Globose, c. 4 × 4 mm.

• Karyology : Diploid, 2n = 16 (Shmida & Kollmann 1977).

• Ecology : Rocky slopes and alpine gravels in windy, high-mountain habitats.

• Native range : Previously known from Mount Hermon (Syria–Lebanon frontier). 

• New Lebanese observations extend the range to Jabal Sannine and Jabal Zaarour. (Florafauna.life)