A new potential variety of bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L.) from North-East India

A new distinct variety of bunching onion Allium fistulosum var. chirumaroi var. nov. (family Amaryllidaceae) under the genus Allium subgenus cepa section cepa is described from Manipur, India. This lesser-known species germplasm is cultivated and conserved by indigenous communities of Bungte Chiru and Nungshai Chiru villages in Kangpokpi district. It is morphologically allied to A. fistulosum var. fistulosum L. (Welsh onion or Japanese bunching onion) but is easily distinguished based on plant height, bulb outer membrane colour, umbel shape and size, flowers per umbel, flower shape and pollen fertility. Taxonomic delimitation and phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and rbcL barcoding support its recognition as a distinct taxon closely related to A. fistulosum var. fistulosum L. The description, diagnosis, distribution, habitat, phenology, etymology as well as photographs of the new variety (including the holotype) are provided.