Article

The life cyc1e and morphological features of about 30 Allium species from the Mediterranean region and Central Asia have been studied in their natural populations and under the conditions of introduction. Six mai n biomorphological types have been defincd within the genus, according to the presence of rhizomes or bulbs, and also based on root system structure. Annual cycle and underground organ features are relatcd to the geographical spread of the genus from zones with a moderate climate to arid regions. Life forrn evolution in the genus leads lO an exlreme, ·'geoephemeroid" biomorphological type.