German garlic (Allium lusitanicum, Encycl. 1: 70 (1783))

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Author: Lam.

Bibliography: Encycl. 1: 70 (1783)

Year: 1783

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Allium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe

Description

German garlic, scientifically known as Allium lusitanicum, is an intriguing plant species belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. First documented in 1783, this species has continued to captivate botanists and horticulturists alike.

Growing predominantly across Europe, German garlic thrives in diverse climates and soil types, showcasing its remarkable adaptability. The plant is renowned for its robust flavor and versatility in culinary uses, often favored for adding a potent, garlicky punch to various dishes.

The physical characteristics of Allium lusitanicum include a bulbous base, which is common to many members of its genus. From the bulb, long, slender leaves emerge, encompassing a central stem that supports a cluster of small, typically purple or pink flowers. These blooms not only add visual appeal to gardens but also attract pollinators, contributing to the local ecosystem.

Historically, German garlic has been appreciated not only for its culinary value but also for its medicinal properties. Traditional remedies have utilized this plant for its reputed benefits to digestive health and immune support. Its high concentration of beneficial compounds such as allicin has sparked interest in ongoing scientific studies.

In cultivation, Allium lusitanicum is relatively low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners ranging from novices to experts. It prefers well-drained soil and can flourish in both sunny and partially shaded areas. Regular watering and occasional fertilization can help maintain its vigorous growth and robust flavor profile.

In summary, German garlic stands as a versatile and valuable plant, offering culinary, medicinal, and horticultural benefits. Its enduring presence across Europe and storied history reflect its significant role in both the kitchen and the garden.

Common Names

Deu: berg-lauch
Dan: kantet løg
Nno: kantlauk
Swe: kantlök
Nob: kantløk
En: German Garlic
Ca: All colombí
Da: Kantet løg
Fr: Ail des collines, Ail des montagnes, Ail trompeur, Ail du Portugal
De: Berg-Lauch
It: Aglio montano
Nb: Kantløk
Nn: Kantlauk
Sv: Kantlök
Uk: Часник гірський

Synonyms

• Allium fallax subsp. montanum ((Pohl) Fr.)
• Allium fallens (Bubani)
• Allium fallax (Schult. & Schult.f.)
• Allium angulosum var. montanum (Pohl)
• Allium senescens subsp. lusitanicum ((Lam.) Dostál)
• Allium acutangulum var. montanum (Klett & Richt.)
• Allium senescens subsp. montanum ((Pohl) Holub)
• Allium montanum subsp. lusitanicum ((Lam.) Nyman)
• Allium schoenoprasum subsp. lusitanicum ((Lam.) K.Richt.)
• Allium montanum var. fallax ((Schult. & Schult.f.) Nyman)
• Allium montanum f. subbulbiliferum (Priszter)
• Allium petraeum (Genty)
• Allium leptophyllum (Schur)
• Allium montanum var. leptophyllum ((Schur) Nyman)
• Allium montanum subsp. leptophyllum ((Schur) Soó)
• Allium acutangulum subsp. petraeum ((DC.) Čelak.)
• Allium acutangulum var. petraeum (DC.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Norway (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Oct 27, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by Evelyne Reutet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2021 by Mallol Camprubí Albert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2021 by Núria Comas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 3, 2021 by Siyabonga Nkosi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2019 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Joassin Vladimir (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by Nenad Pantic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by de Juana Eduardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2020 by Frédéric authier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2018 by Ljubo R (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Nov 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 24, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:528348-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2855705)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Allium lusitanicum Lam.)

Specifications

Growth