Spanish garlic (Allium scorodoprasum, Sp. Pl.: 297 (1753))

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 297 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Allium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Caucasus and Israel

Description

Spanish garlic, known scientifically as Allium scorodoprasum, is a notable member of the Amaryllidaceae family. This plant, first documented in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” holds a significant place in the biodiversity of Europe, extending its natural habitat to the Caucasus region and Israel.

Characterized by its robust growth and distinctive garlic-like aroma, Spanish garlic is a part of the larger Allium genus, which encompasses various species renowned for their culinary and medicinal uses. Primarily found in temperate climates, this species thrives in a range of environments from forested areas to grassy plains, demonstrating remarkable adaptability.

The morphology of Allium scorodoprasum includes bulbous roots and tall, slender leaves, which culminate in a flowering stalk bearing a cluster of small, typically purple flowers. These blooms are not only visually appealing but also play a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive cycle, attracting a variety of pollinators.

Historically, species within the Allium genus have been utilized for their aromatic properties and potential health benefits, and Spanish garlic is no exception. Its strong scent and flavor are reminiscent of the more commonly known garlic (Allium sativum), contributing to its use in culinary traditions across its native regions.

Ecologically, Spanish garlic contributes to local biodiversity by providing food and habitat for insects and other wildlife. Its ability to thrive in varied conditions makes it an important species for maintaining ecological balance and supporting pollination networks.

In conclusion, Allium scorodoprasum, or Spanish garlic, is a plant of considerable interest both for its practical applications in food and its ecological significance. Its widespread presence from Europe to the Caucasus and Israel underscores its adaptability and the important role it plays in various ecosystems.

Common Names

Dan: farve-gåseurt, glat burre, liden burre, skov-løg
Swe: färgkulla, liten kardborre, stor kardborre, ullkardborre, käärmeenlaukka, skogslök
Nor: gul gåseblom, småborre, storborre
Fin: isotakiainen, keltasauramo, pikkutakiainen, käärmeenlaukka
Eng: sand leek, spanish garlic, giant garlic
Deu: schlangen-lauch, schlangenlauch
Nno: bakkeløk
Nob: bakkeløk
Lav: kiploku sipols
Fra: rocambole
Nld: slangenlook
Cym: cenhinen y nadroedd, craf y nadroedd, craf y natred
En: Spanish garlic, Sand leek, Giant garlic
Ar: ثوم رملي
Hy: Արապլեզ
Be: Цыбуля прычасночная
Bg: Рокамбол
Cs: Česnek ořešec
Da: Farve-Gåseurt, Glat Burre, Liden Burre, Skov-løg
Nl: Slangenlook, Slangelook
Et: Metslauk
Fi: Käärmeenlaukka, Isotakiainen, Keltasauramo, Pikkutakiainen
Fr: Ail rocambole, Rocambole
De: Schlangenlauch, Schlangen-Lauch, Gras-Lauch
He: שום עגול
Hu: Kígyóhagyma
Io: Rokambolo
It: Aglio romano, Rocambola
Ko: 조선마늘
Lv: Ķiploku sīpols, Kiploku sipols
Lt: Porinis česnakas
No: Gul gåseblom, Småborre, Storborre
Nb: Bakkeløk
Nn: Bakkeløk
Pl: Czosnek wężowy
Pt: Alho-de-espanha
Ru: Лук причесночный
Sv: Skogslök, Färgkulla, Liten kardborre, Stor kardborre, Ullkardborre, Käärmeenlaukka
Ur: لہسن رملی
Cy: Cenhinen y nadroedd, Craf y Nadroedd, Craf y Natred

Synonyms

• Allium obscurum (M.Bieb. ex Schult. & Schult.f.)
• Porrum arenarium ((L.) Rchb.)
• Allium neglectum (Wender.)
• Allium arenarium var. majus (Trevir.)
• Allium contortum (Stokes)
• Allium ampeloprasum var. margaritaceum (Moench)
• Ascalonicum scorodoprasum ((L.) P.Renault)
• Porrum scorodoprasum ((L.) Rchb.)
• Allium supranisianum (Sailer)
• Allium persicum (Fisch. ex Regel)
• Allium scorodoprasum var. obscurum ((M.Bieb. ex Schult. & Schult.f.) Nyman)
• Allium scorodoprasum var. minus (Fr.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Michigan (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Mati (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2018 by Jot Ess (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by Aleksandra ***** (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by H Amstrup (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2019 by Steve Vincent (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2020 by Paul Johnson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Błażej Nowak (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2020 by frederico (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2018 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Gabriele (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2019 by Katrin Straßberger (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Błażej Nowak (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

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

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

Bark

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Kristian Peters — Fabelfroh 07:11, 29 September 2006 (UTC) (cc-by-sa)

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

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

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/9177060)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:528834-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Allium scorodoprasum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 7