Common Name:

General Information

Allium akaka is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing usually two leaves up to 20cm long and a flowering scape 5 - 15cm tall from a bulb around 20 - 25mm in diameter. The plant divides, forming in time a cluster of plants[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes cultivated as a food crop in Iran, where it is sold in the bazaars of Teheran[, ]. It is also sometimes grown as an ornamental.

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

, ,

Range

W. Asia - northern and northwestern Iran

Habitat

Dry stony places, screes etc; at elevations from 1,600 - 3,000 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Although capable of tolerating winter temperatures considerable below zero, this species grows in semi-arid areas with a distinct dry season in the summer and autumn, and the bulbs tend to rot when grown in cool wet climates, even if they are given sharp drainage[]. When growing it in moister environments, the plant needs some protection from the wet - this can sometimes be achieved by simply placing a cloche over the plant after flowering, or by growing it in a frame[, ].
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained dry to moist soil[].
The plants need a dry period in late summer when they are dormant in order to fully ripen the bulb[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[].
Plants in Turkey are often dug up by local people in the spring and then grown in their gardens to provide a regular source of leaves[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , , ]. Used as an onion substitute[]. The whole of the young plant is said to be a great delicacy and is used as an addition to rice in a pilaf[, , ]. The globose bulb is 15 - 30mm wide[, ].

Leaves - raw or cooked. Cooked with rice, used as a vegetable, used in pilaf etc[, ]]. Both young and older leaves are eaten, including the flowering stem[].

Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads. The flowers are pickled in vinegar to make a special spice known in Iran as 'torshi'[].

Medicinal

The fresh bulb is taken internally as an analgesic[].
The leaves and young flowering stems are applied to the body as a treatment for rhumatism and other pains[]

Although no further 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[].

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.
Division in spring. The plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season, pot up the divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing well and then plant them out into their permanent positions.