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Allium neapolitanum - Cirillo.

Common Name Daffodil Garlic, White garlic
Family Alliaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[76].
Habitats Dry grassy places and fields[45, 90, 203].
Range Europe - Mediterranean area in Europe, Africa and W. Asia
Edibility Rating    (5 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Allium neapolitanum Daffodil Garlic, White garlic


(c) 2010 Ken Fern, Plants For A Future
Allium neapolitanum Daffodil Garlic, White garlic
(c) 2010 Ken Fern, Plants For A Future

 

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Summary

Allium neapolitanum is also known as Neapolitan Garlic, Naples Garlic, Daffodil Garlic, False Garlic, Flowering Onion, Naples Onion, Guernsey Star-of-Bethlehem, Star, White Garlic, Wood Garlic and is a perennial bulbous plant in the onion subfamily.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of bulb
Allium neapolitanum is a BULB growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from October to July, in flower from March to May, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers  Leaves  Root
Edible Uses:

Leaves - raw or cooked. Delicious in salads, they start off being sweet and then develop a fairly strong garlic-like flavour, they are liked by most people who try them[K]. The leaves are available from late autumn until early spring and are greatly appreciated at this time of year[K]. Bulb - raw or cooked[2, 105]. Rather small but a very nice mild garlic flavour[K]. Sliced up, they make a delicious addition to salads and can also be used as a vegetable or as a flavouring in cooked foods. They are harvested in mid summer once the plant dies down and will store for 6 months or more[K]. The bulbs are 10 - 20mm in diameter[200]. Flowers - raw or cooked. Excellent in salads, making them look attractive as well as adding a strong onion flavour[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Although no specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system[K].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Repellent

The juice of the plant is used as a moth repellent. The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles[20].

Special Uses

Food Forest  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, it prefers a sheltered sunny position in a light well-drained soil[1, 90]. Established plants are reasonably drought tolerant[190]. Plants are said to be rather frost tender[90]. They probably tolerate temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c and can only be grown outdoors in the milder areas of the country[200, K]. The dormant bulbs are fairly hardy and will withstand soil temperatures down to at least -5°c[214]. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[1]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[203]. A very ornamental plant, it is sometimes grown as a decorative indoor plant[1]. There is at least one named variety, 'Grandiflorum' has a richer display of flowers than the type[233]. In sunny weather the flowers develop a sweet scent[245]. Plants come into new growth in late autumn and provide edible leaves throughout most winters[K]. When well-sited, plants can sometimes self-sow to the point of nuisance[190]. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes[18, 20, 54]. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other[201]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[200]. The seed can also be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in early summer. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle - if you want to produce clumps more quickly then put three plants in each pot. Grow on for the first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late summer whilst the bulbs are dormant. Division in summer once the plant has died down. Very easy, the bulbs divide freely and can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Noxious Weed Information: Arkansas (Allium wild onion, wild garlic): Noxious weed. California (Nothoscordum inodorum false garlic): B list (noxious weeds).

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Data Deficient

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Cirillo.

Botanical References

45200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Marinella Zepigi   Tue Jun 10 2008

Acta plantarum forum botanico Allium neapolitanum Cirillo- Description - Photos

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Subject : Allium neapolitanum  
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