Common Name:

General Information

Allium affine is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a solitary, ovoid bulb around 10 - 25mm in diameter. It produces a cluster of 3 - 5 leaves which are much shorter than the flowering scape, which is 30 - 80cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[].

Botanical References

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Range

W. Asia - southern and eastern Turkey, Lebanon, the Caucasus, Iraq and Iran

Habitat

Dry mountain slopes[, ]. Pinus, Quercus libani & Quercus ithaburensis forests, steppe, dry slopes; at elevations from 500 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Habit	Bulb
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium affine
Species in this genus generally prefer a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[].

Edible Uses

The plant is used as a vegetable and source of vitamins[]. No more information is given, but Alliums in general have more or less edible bulbs, flowers and leaves[].

Medicinal

Although no specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Allium species usually grow well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but they inhibit the growth of legumes[, , ]. They are, in general, bad companions for alfalfa - each species negatively affecting the other[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Other Uses

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the juice of most species in this genus (especially those with a strong onion or garlic smell) can be used as a moth repellent[].
The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles[].
The bulbs can be rubbed on the skin to repel insects[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle - if you want to produce clumps more quickly then put three plants in each pot. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in spring once they are growing vigorously and are large enough.