Photographs: Kilkee, Co. Clare

Babington's Leek Allium ampeloprasum var. babingtonii Cainneann Family: Lilaceae Flowering July-September. Perennial. Native or relic ancient cultivation Heads of stalked mauve or greenish-white flowers mixed with small bulbils. Buds are sheathed by spathe. Linear grey-green leaves are flat above, keeled below and start to wither as plant flowers. Stout stems to 150cm, the lower part sheathed by leaf bases. Spreads mainly by bulbils Coastal rocky or sandy ground, roadsides and waste ground. Mainly on Aran Islands and west coast of Ireland, rare on south and east coasts Similar: Wild Leek, A. ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum. SE Ireland

Babington's Leek, Allium ampeloprasum var. babingtonii, Cainneann