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Mexican Marigold, Huacatay Seeds (Tagetes minuta)

Mexican Marigold, Huacatay...

Price €2.05 (SKU: MHS 79)
,
5/ 5
<h2><strong>Mexican Marigold, Huacatay Seeds (Tagetes minuta)</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Price for Package of 10 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p>Nematocidal Marigold, Mexican Marigold, Huacatay. Annual.&nbsp; 105 to 120 days to maturity.&nbsp; This is the tallest of marigolds I have grown, reaching as high as 10 feet, and also has the smallest flowers. The herb is an important medicinal, used in Mexico as a tea of the dried leaves and flowers for treating the common cold. It contains thiophenes which have proven antiviral effect. Probably also an important herb for treating influenza. The dried leaves are alse used as an aromatic and harmless tea, and as a culinary spice. The herb also attracts myriads of beneficial insects, although it does take 105 to 120 days to reach maturity. The roots of this plant secrete thiophenes into the soil, compounds that repel pathogenic nematodes--it is very effective and very famous for doing this. A great companion plant for most vegetables, Marigold is not a good companion plant for legumes.&nbsp; Main source of essential oil of tagates, used extensively in the perfume industry.&nbsp; Mexican marigold prefers regular garden soil and a full sun exposure, little water.</p> <h2>WIKIPEDIA:</h2> <p>Tagetes minuta has numerous local names that vary by region, most commonly found in the literature as, chinchilla, chiquilla, chilca, zuico, suico, or the Spanish term anisillo. &nbsp;Other names include muster John Henry, southern marigold, stinking roger wild marigold, or black mint, is a tall upright marigold plant from the genus Tagetes, with small flowers, native to the southern half of South America. Since Spanish colonization, it has been introduced around the world, and has become naturalized in Europe, Asia, Australasia, North America, and Africa.</p> <p>It is used as a culinary herb in Peru, Ecuador, and parts of Chile and Bolivia. It is called by the Quechua terms wakatay in Peru[7] or wakataya in Bolivia.[8] It is commonly sold in Latin grocery stores in a bottled, paste format as black mint paste.</p> <p><strong>Uses</strong></p> <p>The New World peoples have been using Tagetes minuta as a flavorful beverage, a medicinal tea, and a condiment since pre-contact times.</p> <p>The leaves when dried may be used as a seasoning.</p> <p>Wakatay paste is used to make the popular Peruvian potato dish called ocopa''.</p> <p>For some time people have used it as a flavorful herbal tea for medical benefits such as a remedy for the colds, respiratory inflammations, or stomach problems.</p> <p>It can be used to produce an organic dye (known as Tamidye or TAMI dye) which was developed at Moi University in Kenya under the direction of R. K. Mibey.</p> <p>Plants are harvested and "marigold oil" extracted for use in the perfume, tobacco, and soft drink industry.</p> <p><strong>Toxicity</strong></p> <p>The oils contained in the oil glands that are found throughout the above ground portions of the plant may cause irritation to the skin and in some cases are said to cause photodermatitis.</p><script src="//cdn.public.n1ed.com/G3OMDFLT/widgets.js"></script>
MHS 79
Mexican Marigold, Huacatay Seeds (Tagetes minuta)

Medicinal or spice plant
Purple coneflower seeds...

Purple coneflower seeds...

Price €1.15 (SKU: MHS 75)
,
5/ 5
<h2><strong>Purple coneflower seeds (Echinacea purpurea)</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Price for a Package of 20 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>Echinacea purpurea</b></i>, the<span>&nbsp;</span><b>eastern purple coneflower</b>,<sup id="cite_ref-b_2-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup><span>&nbsp;</span><b>purple coneflower</b>,<span>&nbsp;</span><b>hedgehog coneflower</b>, or<span>&nbsp;</span><b>echinacea</b>, is a<span>&nbsp;</span>North American<span>&nbsp;</span>species<span>&nbsp;</span>of<span>&nbsp;</span>flowering plant<span>&nbsp;</span>in the<span>&nbsp;</span>sunflower family.<sup id="cite_ref-Zimmerman_3-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It is<span>&nbsp;</span>native<span>&nbsp;</span>to parts of eastern North America<sup id="cite_ref-pfaf_4-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup><span>&nbsp;</span>and presents to some extent in the wild in much of the eastern, southeastern, and midwestern<span>&nbsp;</span>United States<span>&nbsp;</span>as well as in the<span>&nbsp;</span>Canadian Province<span>&nbsp;</span>of<span>&nbsp;</span>Ontario. It is most common in the<span>&nbsp;</span>Ozarks<span>&nbsp;</span>and in the<span>&nbsp;</span>Mississippi/Ohio Valley. <sup id="cite_ref-PLANTS_5-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup><sup id="cite_ref-6" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup>Its<span>&nbsp;</span>habitats<span>&nbsp;</span>include dry open woods, prairies, and barrens.</p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Taxonomy">Taxonomy</span></h2> <p><i>Echinacea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is derived from<span>&nbsp;</span>Greek, meaning ‘spiny one’, in reference to the spiny sea urchins 'εχίνοι' which the ripe flower heads of species of this genus resemble. The epithet<span>&nbsp;</span><i>purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>means 'reddish-purple'.<sup id="cite_ref-gledhill_7-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[7]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Originally named<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Rudbeckia purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>by Linnaeus in 1753 in Species plantarum 6, it was reclassified in 1794 by Conrad Moench, in a new genus named<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Echinacea purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>(L.) Moench. In 1818,<span>&nbsp;</span>Thomas Nuttall<span>&nbsp;</span>describes a new variety that he named<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Rudbeckia purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>var. serotina. Just two decades later, De Candolle raised him to the rank of species of the other genus<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Echinacea serotina</i><span>&nbsp;</span>(Nutt.) DC. (1836).<sup id="cite_ref-8" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[8]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>In 2002, Binns et al. discovered a misapplication of the name<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Echinacea purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 11.9px;">(L.) Moench</span><span>&nbsp;</span>for the taxon correctly named<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Echinacea serotina</i><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 11.9px;">(Nutt.) DC.</span><span>&nbsp;</span>in 1836. The authors proposed to retain the names not to cause confusion among gardeners and herbalists.<sup id="cite_ref-9" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[9]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Other names include: Broad-leaved purple coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower, Hedgehog Coneflower, Echinacea.</p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Description">Description</span></h2> <p><i>Echinacea purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is an<span>&nbsp;</span>herbaceous<span>&nbsp;</span>perennial<span>&nbsp;</span>up to 120&nbsp;cm (47&nbsp;in) tall by 25&nbsp;cm (10&nbsp;in) wide at maturity. Depending on the climate, it blooms throughout summer into autumn. Its cone-shaped<span>&nbsp;</span>flowering heads<span>&nbsp;</span>are usually, but not always, purple in the wild. Its individual flowers (florets) within the<span>&nbsp;</span>flower head<span>&nbsp;</span>are<span>&nbsp;</span>hermaphroditic, having both male and female organs in each flower. It is<span>&nbsp;</span>pollinated<span>&nbsp;</span>by butterflies and bees. The alternate leaves, borne by a<span>&nbsp;</span>petiole<span>&nbsp;</span>from 0 to 17&nbsp;cm, are oval to<span>&nbsp;</span>lanceolate, 5-30 x 5-12&nbsp;cm; the margin is tightened to toothed.</p> <p>The<span>&nbsp;</span>inflorescence<span>&nbsp;</span>is a<span>&nbsp;</span>capitulum, 7 to 15&nbsp;cm in diameter, formed by a prominent domed central protuberance consisting of multiple small yellow florets. These are surrounded by a ring of pink or purple<span>&nbsp;</span>ligulate<span>&nbsp;</span>florets. The tubular florets are<span>&nbsp;</span>hermaphrodite<span>&nbsp;</span>while the ligular florets are<span>&nbsp;</span>sterile. The<span>&nbsp;</span>involucral bracts<span>&nbsp;</span>are linear to lanceolate. The plant prefers well-drained soils in full sun.<sup id="cite_ref-b_2-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The fruit is an<span>&nbsp;</span>achene, sought after by birds.</p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Cultivation">Cultivation</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Echinacea purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is grown as an<span>&nbsp;</span>ornamental plant<span>&nbsp;</span>in temperate regions. It is ideal for curbs, walkways or beds. The flowers can also go into the composition of fresh bouquets. Numerous<span>&nbsp;</span>cultivars<span>&nbsp;</span>have been developed for flower quality and plant form.<sup id="cite_ref-Zimmerman_3-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[3]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The plant grows in sun or light shade.<sup id="cite_ref-midgely1999_10-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[10]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It thrives in either dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought once established. The cultivars 'Ruby Giant'<sup id="cite_ref-11" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[11]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span><span class="trade_designation"><b>Elton Knight</b></span>='Elbrook'<sup id="cite_ref-12" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[12]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>have gained the<span>&nbsp;</span>Royal Horticultural Society's<span>&nbsp;</span>Award of Garden Merit.<sup id="cite_ref-13" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[13]</sup></p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Propagation">Propagation</span></h3> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Echinacea purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is<span>&nbsp;</span>propagated<span>&nbsp;</span>either<span>&nbsp;</span>vegetatively<span>&nbsp;</span>or from<span>&nbsp;</span>seeds.<sup id="cite_ref-pfaf_4-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[4]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Useful vegetative techniques include division, root cuttings, and basal cuttings. Clumps can be<span>&nbsp;</span>divided, or broken into smaller bunches, which is normally done in the spring or autumn. Cuttings made from roots that are "pencil-sized" will develop into plants when started in late autumn or early winter.<sup id="cite_ref-Zimmerman_3-2" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[3]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Cuttings of basal shoots in the spring may be rooted when treated with<span>&nbsp;</span>rooting hormones, such as IBA at 1000&nbsp;ppm.<sup id="cite_ref-Plant_Delights_14-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[14]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Seed<span>&nbsp;</span>germination<span>&nbsp;</span>occurs best with daily temperature fluctuations<sup id="cite_ref-pfaf_4-2" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[4]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>or after stratification,<sup id="cite_ref-15" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[15]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>which help to end<span>&nbsp;</span>dormancy. Seeds may be started indoors in advance of the growing season or outdoors after the growing season has started.</p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Ecology">Ecology</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Slugs<sup id="cite_ref-pfaf_4-3" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[4]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>rabbits<span>&nbsp;</span>will also eat the foliage when young, or shortly after emerging in the spring.<sup id="cite_ref-16" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[16]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Additionally, roots can be damaged and eaten by<span>&nbsp;</span>gophers.<sup id="cite_ref-PLANTS_5-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[5]</sup></p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Chemistry">Chemistry</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Echinacea purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>contains alkamides,<span>&nbsp;</span>caffeic acid<span>&nbsp;</span>derivatives,<span>&nbsp;</span>polysaccharides, and<span>&nbsp;</span>glycoproteins.<sup id="cite_ref-Saeidnia_2015_63_17-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[17]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Nicotiflorin is the dominant<span>&nbsp;</span>flavonoid<span>&nbsp;</span>in<span>&nbsp;</span><i>E. purpurea</i>, followed by the flavonoid<span>&nbsp;</span>rutin.<sup id="cite_ref-Kurkin_905–906_18-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[18]</sup></p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Traditional_medicine">Traditional medicine</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;" class=""><strong>Native Americans used the plant as a traditional medicine to treat many ailments.<br><br>Medicinal ingredients<br>Three types of echinacea show healing properties: (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida). These species contain in different ratios: phenolic carboxylic acids and depsidic acids: caffeic, chlorogenic and dicapheoylcholic acid; esters of caffeic ivic acid and ferulinic and tartaric acid. Esters of sugar and caffeic acid - echinacosides are also present; unsaturated, aliphatic compounds: amides, isobutylamides, polyene acids ...<br><br>Medicinal effect and use<br>Both above-ground and underground parts of the plant are used, from which syrup, tea, tinctures, sprays, tablets, juices, etc. can be made. Various products based on this plant can now be found on our market, but caution is advised when using them. It is best to seek advice from experts (pharmacists) in order to avoid the use of insufficiently good preparations and for the dosage to be correct.<br><br>Among the American Indians, this plant is the basis of folk medicine, like lynx in our nation. They use it against snake bites and stings of poisonous insects (it has an antiseptic effect) and inflammation, as well as for raising and maintaining immunity.<br><br>Today, it is mostly used to raise immunity and to improve the defense against infection by microorganisms (viruses, bacteria). The use of echinacea increases non-specific immunity, ie it achieves a better defense ability of the organism against anything that could harm it.<br><br>Echinacea is considered to increase the body's defenses by increasing the number of leukocytes (white blood cells), and stimulates the synthesis of interferon, a protein that participates in the body's defense against viral infections. The best effect is achieved when preparations of this plant are taken as soon as the first symptoms of flu or cold are noticed, that is, before the disease develops. This helps the body to resist infection. Echinacea has antibacterial and antiviral effects. It is also applied locally, for wounds, injuries, bites, stings ... because it has an antibacterial effect and accelerates wound healing by creating connective tissue. It is used in case of infections or preventively, to stimulate immunity, and it is not recommended to use it for more than 8 weeks in a row. German Commission E approved the use of echinacea extract in colds and chronic respiratory infections, and in lower urinary tract infections.<br><br>Side effects<br>No side effects were reported. Allergies are possible in people who are allergic to other plants from the Asteraceae family (dandelion, chamomile ...).<br><br>Contraindications<br>Due to its immunostimulatory properties, echinacea should not be used in autoimmune diseases (AIDS, multiple sclerosis, collagenosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ...). Concomitant use with immunosuppressants and corticosteroids is contraindicated. It does not apply to children younger than 2 years.<br><br>Due to insufficient knowledge of the composition and action of echinacea, it is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The application is contraindicated in the following systemic diseases: tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases.<br></strong><sup id="cite_ref-drugs_19-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup></p> <script src="//cdn.public.n1ed.com/G3OMDFLT/widgets.js"></script>
MHS 75 (0.1 g)
Purple coneflower seeds (Echinacea purpurea)

Medicinal or spice plant
Devils Apple Fruit of Sodom Seeds (Solanum linnaeanum) 1.45 - 1

Devils Apple Fruit of Sodom...

Price €1.95 (SKU: F 70)
,
5/ 5
<h2 class=""><strong>Devils Apple Fruit of Sodom Seeds (Solanum linnaeanum)</strong></h2> <h2 class=""><span style="color: #fe0000;"><strong>Price for Package of 10 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p>It used to be called Solanum astrophorum, Solanum hermannii, Solanum mccannii, Solanum sodomeum, Solanum sodomeum var. hermannii, Solanum sodomeum var. mediterraneum, Solanum undatum, Solanum hermanii, apple of sodom, Afgan thistle, bitter apple, black-spined nightshade, poison apple and most commonly devil's apple or poison eggplant, with the accepted scientific name being Solanum Linnaeanum these days.</p> <p>It is of African and Mediterranean origin but was introduced to Australia very early on with it being first collected and cataloged in Australia in the early 1880s.</p> <p>It is a poisonous plant that is not eaten by anything as far as I can tell, except for the odd grasshopper which seems to become poisoned or drugged, sitting still in a stupor after a while. Handy in the greenhouse.</p> <p>It is a spiky plant covered in straight needles which I find really cool. I love all the spiky Solanum, the same way some folks like Cacti I guess?</p> <p>In Southern Africa, it has a long history of traditional use for skin conditions, toothache, cold and fever. Apparently the roots are carried as a talisman, for protection against poisoning.</p> <p>It has long been used by pastoralists for skin disorders on the stock. Mashed and bound to the area needing treatment, or sliced and rubbed on regularly, its effectiveness where nothing else works is legendary.</p> <p>Many folks swear by it, and there is a very popular "Devil's Apples Lotion" or "Poison Eggplant cream" made by blending the ripe fruit in olive oil then applying topically to the affected area.</p> <p>I showed serious promise as a skin cancer treatment and in animal trials, it was shown to be very effective IN SOME CASES. Solamargine and solasonine are still being investigated as cancer treatment options in several places around the world. (There is a company in Vanuatu that currently sells a product under the name Curaderm BEC5, which is said to be effective, but it has not been approved for medical use by any regulatory agency.)</p> <p>The big thing to remember in other cases it was just FATAL...</p> <p>This is the reason the trials were discontinued, it wasn't because it didn't work, it's just that it killed and maimed a heap more critters than cancer would have statistically. Therefore it was not a safe or effective treatment in the majority of cases.</p> <p>Like using a molotov cocktail to light your BBQ. Sure, sometimes it works great!</p> <p>It is just unfortunate that you more often than not end up losing your eyebrows, blowing up your sausages, and setting fire to the neighbours clothesline...</p> <p>The Pharmaceutical company most often quoted in regards to the effectiveness of this plant on cancer, Solbec, has since given up due to the variability in results and in 2004 they were fined for misleading shareholders and the public about the effectiveness of their drugs.</p> <p>Solbec told the ASX, among other things, that Coramsine™ brought about total remission of malignant mesothelioma in mice when combined with immunotherapy. Following that announcement, the share price of Solbec increased by some 92 percent.</p> <p>Solbec later told the ASX that the study had tested Coramsine™ on five mice of which only two had gone into remission of malignant mesothelioma. Solbec elected to comply with the notice. As provided under section 1317DAJ(3)(b) of the Act, compliance with the notice is not an admission of guilt or liability, and Solbec is not regarded as having contravened section 674(2) of the Act.</p> <p>It is still under investigation for its effects on skin cancer, but it is a poison, and I do not recommend or encourage or advise use, application or ingestion in any way..</p> <p>Folks don't do DIY chemotherapy, same theory.</p> <p>It may kill you, or mangle you, just like it did to the mice.</p> <p>In normal situations as a houseplant or a weed, poisoning is generally not a problem because the plant is rarely eaten, it is spiky and bitter, full of hard seeds and no really fruity flesh to it.</p> <p>As a weed, it is easy to control as it rarely survives cultivation and its growth is quite slow for a Solanum species. The seeds can sit dormant in the soil for ages, but it is only in pastures this becomes a problem, and that is due to the cattle and sheep eating everything except the Devil's apple. Sensible grazing and occasional hand pulling is an effective control method.</p> <p>Grasses will outcompete it, if given the chance, and they will block the light to dormant seeds meaning they never get the chance to germinate.</p> <p>I grow this plant as an ornamental, and I sell the seeds only so you can do the same.</p> <p>If your plans are to use this plant or its seeds for anything other than ornamental reasons, I humbly request you please bugger off now. Get it elsewhere, I don't need or want the drama your death or maiming could create.</p> <p>It is a beautiful plant, and in my opinion, that is plenty of reason to grow it.</p> <p>Like a bushy little rose, but big purple flowers and bright yellow fruits.</p> <p>Does great in pots, germination takes about 6weeks normally, but it can be erratic. GA3 can often speed things up. Being a weed species it is not permitted to most places so pay attention to the big red text folks.</p> <script src="//cdn.public.n1ed.com/G3OMDFLT/widgets.js"></script>
F 70 (10 S)
Devils Apple Fruit of Sodom Seeds (Solanum linnaeanum) 1.45 - 1

Plant resistant to cold and frost
Perfect Passionfruit Seeds...

Perfect Passionfruit Seeds...

Price €3.15 (SKU: V 210)
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5/ 5
<h2><strong>Perfect Passionfruit Seeds (Passiflora popenovii)</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Price for Package of 3 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p>The rare Passiflora popenovii gives probably the most delicious fruit of all Passiflora species. The transparent and very juicy flesh inside the soft shell of the bright yellow fruit is extremely sweet and has an exceptional, exotic, and fragrant taste.</p> <p>It originates from the rainforests of Colombia and Ecuador between 500 and 1900 m (1600 and 6200 feet) but is believed to have become extinct in the wild and to be grown only locally. It will easily adapt to growing in a wide range of climatic conditions.</p> <p>We think that Perfect Passionfruit has the potential to become far more popular than Passiflora edulis or Passiflora ligularis, which are common in fruit markets around the world.</p> <p>Cold hardy to -6C</p>
V 210 (3 S)
Perfect Passionfruit Seeds (Passiflora popenovii)

Plant resistant to cold and frost

Coming Soon
Round-headed garlic bulbs...

Round-headed garlic bulbs...

Price €2.95 (SKU: P 475 AS)
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5/ 5
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> <h2><strong>Round-headed garlic bulbs (Allium sphaerocephalon)</strong></h2> <h2><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Price for Package of 5 bulbs.</span></strong></h2> <p><i><b>Allium sphaerocephalon</b></i><span> </span>is a plant species in the<span> </span>Amaryllis family<span> </span>known as<span> </span><b>round-headed leek</b><span> </span>and also<span> </span><b>round-headed garlic</b>,<span> </span><b>ball-head onion</b>, and other variations on these names. Other names include Drumsticks, and in Germany, Kugellauch. Some publications use the alternate spelling<span> </span><i>A. sphaerocephalum</i>.<sup id="cite_ref-2" class="reference">[2]</sup><span> </span>It is a hardy<span> </span>perennial plant.</p> <p><i>Allium sphaerocephalon</i><span> </span>is found in the wild across all parts of<span> </span>Europe<span> </span>except in the northernmost countries (Ireland,<span> </span>Netherlands,<span> </span>Scandinavia, and the<span> </span>Baltic States).<sup id="cite_ref-Davies1992_3-0" class="reference">[3]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-4" class="reference">[4]</sup><span> </span>Its native range extends to northern<span> </span>Africa<span> </span>and to western<span> </span>Asia<span> </span>as far east as<span> </span>Iran.<sup id="cite_ref-ravenisgod_5-0" class="reference">[5]</sup><span> </span>It is also reportedly naturalised in<span> </span>New York State<span> </span>in the<span> </span>US.<sup id="cite_ref-6" class="reference">[6]</sup><span> </span>In the<span> </span>UK<span> </span>it grows wild only in the<span> </span>Avon Gorge<span> </span>so is known locally as the<span> </span><b>Bristol onion</b>.<sup id="cite_ref-7" class="reference">[7]</sup></p> <p>The species is prized by<span> </span>gardeners<span> </span>because of its striking floral display. The spherical "head" (technically an<span> </span>umbel) is borne on a long<span> </span>scape, up to 50 cm in height, usually in July. It can contain hundreds of deep purple flowers.<sup id="cite_ref-ravenisgod_5-1" class="reference">[5]</sup></p> <p>This plant has gained the<span> </span>Royal Horticultural Society’s<span> </span>Award of Garden Merit.</p> <p><i>Allium sphaerocephalon</i><span> produces egg-shaped bulbs. Small </span>bulblets<span> are present under the outer layer of the stem (making the plant potentially </span>invasive<span> when grown in gardens). Flowers are borne on a </span>scape<span> up to 50 cm in height, in a spherical to egg-shaped </span>umbel<span>, 1–6 cm in diameter, tightly packed with many flowers crowded together. The relatively small size of the umbel relative to the height of the stem makes this one of those described as 'drumstick alliums'. Individual flowers are reddish-purple and are occasionally replaced by bulbils (again making this a potentially invasive species).</span></p> <p><span></span></p>
P 475 AS
Round-headed garlic bulbs (Allium sphaerocephalon)