Allium cf. hirtovaginatum Kunth (1843: 412) (Fig. 3D–I)

Description: —This species differs mainly from A. cupanii in having bulb tunics with less reticulate fibers, detachable from the base and encasing the scape up to 85 mm of its length; leaves very hairy. Inflorescence few-flowered and fastigiated or dense and lax. Perigone urceolate to campanulate, with tepals 4–6.2 × 0.7–2 mm long.

Karyology: —All populations are diploids with chromosome complement 2n = 2x = 14, having a base number of x = 7. The karyotype formula is 3m + 3 msmsat + 1sm (Fig. 4D). The asymmetry indices were M CA = 23.72 and CV CL = 12.69 (Table 3). Karyotypes of the different populations were strongly similar except for the satellite number, suggesting genome stability.

Distribution and habitat: — Allium hirtovaginatum is linked to steppic and arid vegetation, occurring in Algeria on stony or sandy soils of the highlands (Timgad, Madracen) and saline meadows of the Saharan border (Oued El Malah, Gelt Estel, Brezina) (Fig. 3D, 3G). Basing on literature data, it is distributed apart from in North Africa also in Balearic Islands, Lampedusa Island, Cyprus, Greece and Anatolia.

Phenology: —Flowering from mid June to mid July.

Herbarium specimens examined:— TURKEY. Tchesmé: G.A. Olivier & Bruguière s.n. (P00747843! P00747844!).