Friesen et al. (1997) considers Allium altyncolicum N.Friesen to be of hybrid origin, as most of its morphological characters are intermediary of the two species supposedly comprising its parental lineage; Allium schoenoprasum and Allium ledebourianum[].

Common Name:

General Information

Allium altyncolicum is a herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of small, elongated bulbs on a shortly rhizomatous rootstock; each bulb produces 2 - 3 grass-like leaves up to 50cm tall and a flowering scape 30 - 60cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is closely related to the cultivated chives (Allium schoenoprasum) and has the potential for commercial use[]. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.
Despite having a limited range (estimated extent of occurrence is 1,000 km2), Allium altyncolicum is well conserved in situ, has no known threats, and its population trend is assumed to be stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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 - southwestern Siberia

Habitat

Rubbly and pebbly lake shores[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.45 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally prefer a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[].
This species is closely related to the cultivated chives (Allium schoenoprasum) - probably as a hybrid between chives and Allium ledebourianum - and has the potential for commercial use[].

Edible Uses

The plant is used as a vegetable and source of vitamins[]. Eaten as a salad[].No more information is given, but Alliums in general have more or less edible bulbs, flowers and leaves[]. In addition, this species is closely related to the cultivated chives (Allium schoenoprasum) and is likely to have similar uses[]. These are:-

Leaves - raw, cooked or dried for later use. The leaves have a mild onion flavour and are an excellent addition to mixed salads, they can also be used as a flavouring in soups etc[, , , , , ]. The leaves are often available from late winter and can continue to produce leaves until early the following winter, especially if they are in a warm, sheltered position[]. A good source of sulphur and iron[]. A nutritional analysis is available[].

The bulbs are rather small, and rarely exceed 10mm in diameter[]. They can be harvested with the leaves still attached and be used as spring onions[]. They have a pleasant mild onion flavour.

The flowers can be used as a garnish in salads etc[]. The flowers of this species are rather dry and less desirable than the flowers of many other species[].

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[].

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. Very easy, the plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season and the divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.