Allium aflatunense

B. Fedtsch.

Purple sensation

AmaryllidaceaeLeavesRootsFlowersPotential hazards — see below

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What to Eat

Edible parts: Bulb, Leaves, Flowers

The bulb, which varies considerably in size from 2–6cm, can be eaten raw or cooked. Leaves are also edible raw or cooked. Flowers can be eaten raw and work well as a garnish on salads.

Known Hazards

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant. It can grow on a range of well-drained soils. It needs to be in a sunny position. It is best in moist soils. It grows in the mountains, It suits hardiness zone 8.

Asia, Central Asia, Uzbekistan,

Countries: United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Brunei, Bhutan, China, Georgia, Indonesia, Israel, India, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mongolia, Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Philippines, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Syria, Thailand, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

How to Identify

An onion plant. It is a bulb plant. It grows 1 m tall. The bulbs can be 2-6 cm across or larger.

How to Grow

Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants. This species does not have the characteristic garlic smell of most members of the genus. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation: Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle — placing three per pot will produce clumps more quickly. Grow on in a greenhouse through at least the first winter, then plant out into permanent positions in spring once growing vigorously. Divide in spring. Plants can be divided successfully at any point during the growing season; pot divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until growing well before planting out into permanent positions.

Medicinal Uses

This plant has outstanding germicidal properties, with all cultures reported to be destroyed under its influence. Beyond this, no other specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, though members of this genus are generally considered healthy dietary additions. They contain sulphur compounds responsible for their onion flavour, and regular consumption is thought to help reduce blood cholesterol levels, support the digestive system, and tonify the circulatory system.

Other Uses

The growing plant is said to repel insects and moles.

Wikipedia

Source ↗

Allium aflatunense is a species of plant in the amaryllis family, native to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia. In other regions, it is commonly grown as a garden plant.

Notes

They have also been put in the family Alliaceae.

Names & Synonyms

Anzur pijoz

References (2)

Khassanov, F. O., 2007, Edible Alliums of Uzbekistan. in First Kazbegi workshop on "Botany, taxonomy and phytochemistry of wild Allium L. species of the Caucasus and Central Asia".
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.pfaf.org