Allium tripterum Nasir

The affinities of this species are doubtful but it is probably related to the E. Himalayan, Allium macranthum Baker, in section Molium. In Allium macranthum Baker the number of leaves may be up to 10, the pedicels are only c. 0.25 mm long which are equal and there are fewer flowers (3-9). In Allium tripterum E. Nasir the number of leaves is 2-4, the pedicels are up to 3 cm long which are unequal and the number of flowers in an umbel may be up to 15.

Bulbs 1-2 cm diametro, globosus; tunicae exteriores coriaceae, brunneae, dense pustulatae. Scapus usque ad 60 cm altus, fistulosus, costatus, glaber; basi foliorum vaginis anguste trialatis laevibus techus. Folia 2-4, scapo longiora vel breviora; lamina 3-5 mm lata, ± conduplicate, carinata, glabra. Spatha caduca, ignota. Umbella 6-15-flora, laxa. Pedicelli inaequales, usque ad 3 cm longi. Perigonium late campanulatum, pallide roseum usque fere album purpureo-nervosum; tepala c. 10 mm longa, elliptica acuta vel obtusa, exteriora quam interiora distincta latiora. Filamenta inclusa, c. 3/4 tepalorum longitudinis attingentia, exteriora quam interiora longiora, per c. 1 mm connata, e basi dilatata filiformia; antherae c.2 mm longae, flavae. Capsula c. 5 mm diam., in perigonio persistente incluso.

Plants 30-60 cm tall. Bulbs globose, 1 to 2 cm in diameter; outer coats coriaceous, brownish-black, tuberculate; inner coats white, distinctly nerved. Scapes up to 60 cm tall, glabrous, fistular, ribbed, 1/3 to 1/2 covered with leaf bases. Leaves 2-4, linear, 3-5 mm broad, ± conduplicate, keeled, shorter or longer than the scape, glabrous, leaf sheaths glabrous, 3-winged. Umbels with 6-15 flowers; flowers laxly arranged. Spathe deciduous, not seen. Pedicels unequal, up to 3 cm long, stout. Tepals elliptic, c. 10 mm long, light pink to white with purplish veins, apex acute to obtuse. Stamens included, about 3/4 the length of the tepals; anthers 2 mm long, yellow; filaments entire, upper 2/3 linear, lower 1/3 dilated, connate at the base. Style included; stigma capitate.

Allium tripterum is a plant species endemic to a small region near Mingora, in northwestern Pakistan. It is a perennial herb up to 60 cm tall, with a spherical bulb up to 20 mm across. Leaves are long and narrow. Umbels are lax with only about 5-15 long-pediceled flowers. Tepals are pink or white with prominent purple midveins.