Allium sphaerocephalon subsp. sphaerocephalon

Allium sphaerocephalum subsp. sphaerocephalum, commonly known as the round-headed onion, is a resilient perennial herb valued in traditional medicine. Native to specific rocky habitats, this subspecies possesses unique phytochemical properties. It is often studied for its potential therapeutic applications, including its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Allium sphaerocephalon subsp. sphaerocephalon
  • Family: Amaryllidaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Asparagales and the family Amaryllidaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Allium, specifically as the subspecies Allium sphaerocephalum subsp. sphaerocephalum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Amaryllidaceae WCVP
Genus Allium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Allium sphaerocephalum subsp. sphaerocephalum, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the round-headed onion, while in Spanish, it is known as cebolla de cabeza redonda. In French, the plant is called oignon à tête ronde, and in German, it is identified as Rundkopfzwiebel.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is noted within the borders of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species can be found spanning across Belgium and Germany. Its range further extends through the central territories of Austria. Finally, the geographical footprint of this subspecies includes the regions of Czechia and Slovakia.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Allium sphaerocephalum subsp. sphaerocephalum, is characterized by its distinct morphological structures, most notably its underground bulbs and its delicate flowers. The bulbs serve as the plant's primary storage organs, containing the nutrients necessary for survival and reproduction. Above the ground, the plant produces clusters of small, spherical flowers that emerge from the stem, adding both aesthetic beauty and contributing to the plant's medicinal and biological profile.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
flowers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bulbs 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Allium sphaerocephalon subsp. sphaerocephalon has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆