Snowdrop onion | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
Subfamily: | Allioideae |
Genus: | Allium |
Subgenus: | A. subg. Cepa |
Species: | A. galanthum
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Binomial name | |
Allium galanthum | |
Synonyms [1] | |
Allium galanthum is an Asian species of onion in the amaryllis family, commonly called the snowdrop onion. [2] It is native to Xinjiang, Mongolia, Altay Krai, and Kazakhstan. It grows at elevations of 500–1,500 m (1,600–4,900 ft). [3] [4] [5] [6]
Allium galanthum forms a cluster of bulbs, each up to 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter. Scapes are up to 60 cm (24 in) tall. Leaves are tubular, about half as long as the scapes. Umbels are spherical with a large number of white flowers. [3] [7] [8]
Allium galanthum is edible and reportedly has medicinal uses. [2] [6]