Allium nazarenum (Amaryllidaceae), a new species of the section Codonoprasum from Israel

Abstract

Allium nazarenum, a new species of A. sect. Codonoprasum, is described and illustrated from Israel. Within this species, two well distinct subspecies have been recognized, represented by the subsp. nazarenum and subsp. ramonense respectively. The first one occurs in northern and central Israel, which falls within the Mediterranean bioclimate, while the second one is circumscribed to the Negev desert. Both taxa are diploid with 2n = 16 and are found on various substrata usually in the batha or steppic plant communities. This species shows close relationships with the species belonging to the A. staticiforme group, from which it differs in several relevant diacritic features. Its morphology, karyology, leaf anatomy, ecology, conservation status and taxonomical relationships are examined.