im_melano1_gal

The genus Allium is so large, that it's been subdivided into sections. Perhaps
the best known section in the genus is Melanocrommyum, a grouping that
includes such familiar species as A. schubertii, cristophii, giganteum, and
karataviense, all of which are available wherever Holland bulbs are sold in
the fall. But even this section is unwieldy and poorly understood, thus recent
taxonomic studies has resulted in a series of subsections being defined
that help add further organization to the Melanocrommyum. The long
and short of it: there's a lot more to section Melanocrommyum than first
meets the eye. In this gallery, a few of the less common types have
been featured, along with more familiar species as well.

Click on these thumbnail images to see larger, more complete images.
Each link leads to a mini-gallery of 2 or more larger photos.

	Allium woronowii, a rather obscure member of section melanocrommyum from Turkey and neighboring Armenia. This particular form shown here, is robust with beautiful flowers heavily scented like carnations or lilacs. The floral perfume is intoxicating, as the inflorescence is visually intoxicating to the eye.
	Allium woronowii 'Handzorut' - Janis Ruksans offers two forms of this species, both considerably smaller than than the form shown above. This cultivar is only 8"-12" tall (20-30 cm), with muted pink flowers and a nice fragrance, but not nearly as fragrant as the previous. From Handzorut, S. Armenia.
	Allium decipiens - The distribution and status of this species needs further study, even it's placement under Allium section melanocrommyum has been questioned. A lovely species from Turkey, to Bulgaria and Russia. The recent treatment in Flora of China dispels claims of this species occurring in China.
	Allium karataviense - An old favorite species that needs no introduction here, one of the most notable alliums on account of the extraordinary broad pleated foliage. This mini gallery depicts 3 different clones of Allium karataviense, each with it's own distinctive growth form.
	Allium karataviense 'Red Globe' - wow, a dark red-purple form of the ever popular A. karataviense. This cultivar has extra long, pointed gray leaves, and large heads of deep metallic red-purple flowers on 12" (30 cm) tall stems. A noteworthy recent introduction, it's available from Pacific Rim Nursery, as are many of those shown here.
	Allium jesdianum ssp. angustitepalum - perhaps the finest of the A. jesdianum selections, with large ample heads of bright violet and white stamens, atop 2' (60 cm) stems. The contrasting white stamens create a most distinctive two-toned floral show.
	Allium robustum - I'm not sure why this species is so rare in cultivation, it's been known to botany since 1841! From Kazakhstan to few provinces in China, it's a very good allium, yet scantily described thus difficult to be certain with it's ID. In this specimen the flowers are a memorable deep wine red on stems 2' (60 cm) tall.
	Allium darwasicum - this one has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. It can be variable, but this form is rather good, with chartreuse flowers, the stamens beginning dark blue-gray, then age to tan- ochre. The most remarkable feature how- ever, is the intense fragrance precisely mimicking gardenia. From Central Asia.
	Allium 'Lucy Ball' - This is one of many hybrid Alliums developed by Jan Bijl in Holland (the magnificent 'Globemaster' perhaps his most fantastic hybrid). This fine hybrid, named for Lucille Ball, is an A. elatum x A. aflatunense cross.
	Allium winklerianum - from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tadjikistan, and one province of China. I like this species a lot, as the flowers are an intense, luminous purple, as well as heavily perfumed like sugar candy. My two daughters confirmed that the flowers smell like "Pez" or "Smarties".
	Allium 'Gladiator' - From the same cross as 'Lucy Ball', this is another Allium elatum x A. aflatunense cross. The colossal crop of buds holds promise for the sphere of purple that's forthcoming atop a 4' stem. The bold, shiny green foliage shows close affinity with A. elatum.
	Allium nigrum "pink form" received as Allium 'auctum', the name is considered synonymous with the European species Allium nigrum. A wonderful, slow growing species with beautiful, long-lasting lilac pink flowers in late May to June.

All photos by Mark McDonough
Most photos taken April-May 2002 (unless noted otherwise)

Links to "melanocrommyum" Allium bulb sources

Paige Woodward's Pacific Rim Nursery has many bulb photos, including
a good selection of Allium bulbs, all of which can be ordered on-line.

Odyssey Bulbs is a great source for a large number of hard-to-find
bulbous plants. Check out the 2001 catalog now, although
I've been notified that the 2002 catalog (with pictures) will be posted in
couple of weeks (May 2002). A spring 2002 catalog is available now.

Lithuanian Rare Bulb Garden by Leonid Bondarenko has an excellent
assortment of bulbs of many types. For most offerings, there's a thumbnail
image and a high-quality larger image. Click on the catalog link.