Allium triquetrum

L. Three-corner Garlic
Sp. Pl.: 300 (1753)
Taxonomic status Accepted
Occurrence status Present
Origin Introduced
Degree of establishment Naturalised

Bulb subglobose, 1–2 cm diam., usually with numerous bulblets. Scape triangular in section, 10–50 cm long, initially suberect, prostrate in fruit. Leaves almost basal, usually 2–5 per bulb, slightly channelled, rather fleshy, 15–50 cm long, 5–20 mm wide. Umbel 5–10-flowered, loose, flowers drooping; pedicels 1–2.5 mm long; spathe of 2 linear bracts, sometimes deciduous; perianth campanulate, segments oblong, 10–18 mm long, white with green central stripe; stamens shorter than the perianth segments and shortly united to them at base. Capsule ovoid, c. 6–7 mm long. Flowers Aug.–Nov.

Wim, GleP, VVP, VRiv, GipP, OtP, WaP, Gold, CVU, GGr, DunT, NIS, EGU, WPro, HSF, HNF, OtR, Strz, VAlp. Also naturalised WA, SA, NSW, Tas. Native to the western Mediterranean region. A declared noxious weed in Victoria, often forming pure swards in moist, shaded sites in bushland, gardens and roadsides, mostly in the south (Portland, Port Campbell, Melbourne suburbs and nearby hills, Strzelecki Range) with outlying occurrences in the north-east (Euroa-Wangaratta area).

The arillate seeds are attractive to ants which are regarded as important dispersal vectors.

Source:

Conran, J.G. (1994). Liliaceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., ‍Flora of Victoria Vol. 2, Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons‍, pp. 637–686. Inkata Press, Melbourne.

Updated by: Val Stajsic, 3 Dec. 2018
Allium triquetrum (hero image) Spinning
Allium triquetrum (distribution map) Spinning