This species is closely related to Allium rubellum M.Bieb., and has at times been treated as part of that complex[].

Common Name:

General Information

Allium anisotepalum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 2 - 3 leaves 10 - 15cm long and a flowering scape 10 - 25cm tall from an underground bulb 5 - 8mm thick. The plant divides, forming in time a cluster of growth[].
The plant is probably 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

Range

Central Asia - Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Habitat

Gravelly and small-grained slopes in the mountain steppe zone[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium anisopetalum is a plant of semi-arid areas in central and eastern Asia, and can tolerate cold winters with temperatures going below zero. However, it requires a dry period in the summer and autumn when it is dormant and so, even in very freely-draining soils, does not do very well outdoors in areas with summer and autumn rain. In such areas it is best grown in a cold greenhouse or bulb frame, though it might be sufficient to simply place a cloche over the plant after it has flowered and then remove it when new growth appears in spring[, ].
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[].

Edible Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but it is part of the Allium rubellum complex and almost certainly has the same uses as that spacies. Those uses are detailed below:-

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , , , ].

Leaves - raw or cooked. The leaves are dried and preserved for use as a condiment in Europe[, , ].

Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads.

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 - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse or cold frame. It germinates quickly and can be grown on in the greenhouse for the first year, planting out the dormant bulbs in the late summer of the following year if they have developed sufficiently, otherwise grow on in pots for a further year. Stored seed can be sown in spring in a greenhouse.
Bulbils, harvested in mid to late spring, can either be planted immediately or be stored and then planted in late summer.
Division in summer after the plants have died down. Very easy, the bulbs divide fairly freely and can be dug up then replanted direct into their permanent positions if required.