Bulbs clustered, narrowly ovoid or cylindric-ovoid. Scape not developed (plants propagated by bulbs). 2 n = 16.

The name Allium ascalonicum Linnaeus (Fl. Palaest. 17. 1756) has been persistently applied to this variety, although the type of A. ascalonicum belongs to a SW Asian species currently known as A. hierochuntinum Boissier (1882). Allium ascalonicum could be rejected to prevent the displacement of A. hierochuntinum for the SW Asian species, or it could be conserved with a conserved type to permit its traditional usage as well as to protect A. hierochuntinum. Article 57 of the ICBN would prevent any nomenclatural disruption for the time being.

Cultivated as a vegetable. Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang [widely cultivated elsewhere].