Allium pallasii and A. caricifolium-Surprisingly Diverse Old Steppe Species, Showing a Clear Geographical Barrier in the Area of Lake Zaysan

Polymorph Allium pallasii s.l. from monotypic A. sect. Pallasia was studied using a wide spectrum of methods and divided into two clearly morphologically, geographically, cytologically and genetically isolated species: A. pallasii s. str.-North-East Kazakhstan, Western Siberia, and the Altai Mountains; A. caricifolium-Kyrgyzstan, Northwest China, South-East Kazakhstan until Zaysan Lake in the east. Despite serious genetic differences, both species are sisters and are related to species of the A. sect. Codonoprasum (Subg. Allium). Allium caricifolium differs from A. pallasii s. str. by taller stems, dense inflorescence, and with filaments longer than perianth. The possible phylogenetic reasons for the separation of these species are discussed. A nomenclature analysis of synonyms was carried out.

Automated summary

The polymorph Allium pallasii s.l. from monotypic A. sect. Pallasia was studied using various methods, and it was found to be divided into two distinct species based on morphology, geography, cytology, and genetics. A. pallasii s. str. is found in North-East Kazakhstan, Western Siberia, and the Altai Mountains, while A. caricifolium is found in Kyrgyzstan, Northwest China, South-East Kazakhstan, and Zaysan Lake. Despite significant genetic differences, both species are sisters and are related to species of the A. sect. Codonoprasum (Subg. Allium). Allium caricifolium differs from A. pallasii s. str. in terms of taller stems, dense inflorescence, and longer filaments. The possible phylogenetic reasons for the separation of these species are discussed, and a nomenclature analysis of synonyms was conducted.