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Useful Temperate Plants

Allium elburzense

Wendelbo

Amaryllidaceae

+ Synonyms

Common Name: Valak

No Image.

General Information

Allium elburzense is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a depressed-globose bulb around 15 - 30mm in diameter; it produces 1 - 2 leaves and a flowering stem around 5 - 15cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food with health-promoting properties[
2256
Title
Chapter 3: Wild Allium species used as food and folk medicine in Iran
Publication
First Kazbegi workshop on Botany, taxonomy and phytochemistry of wild Allium L. species of the Caucasus and Central Asia pp 25-30
Author
Abbasi M. et al
Publisher
 
Year
2008
ISBN
Marburg & Gatersl
Description
 
]. It is occasionally offered 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[
76
Title
Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man.
Publication
 
Author
Cooper. M. and Johnson. A.
Publisher
HMSO
Year
1984
ISBN
0112425291
Description
Concentrates mainly on the effects of poisonous plants to livestock.
].

Botanical References


Range

W. Asia - northern Iran

Habitat

Montane rocky and rubble slopes.

Properties

Edibility Rating *  *  *
Medicinal Rating *  *
HabitBulb
Height0.10 m
PollinatorsInsects
Cultivation StatusOrnamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium elburzense is a plant of semi-arid regions in the temperate zone. It is fairly cold-hardy but can be killed by winter wet. It also requires a hot, dry period when dormant in the summer.
Species in this genus generally prefer a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[
1
Title
RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
Publication
 
Author
F. Chittendon.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Year
1951
ISBN
-
Description
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. The leaves are used in Iran to cook the traditional dish 'Kuku', and are also cooked with rice[
2256
Title
Chapter 3: Wild Allium species used as food and folk medicine in Iran
Publication
First Kazbegi workshop on Botany, taxonomy and phytochemistry of wild Allium L. species of the Caucasus and Central Asia pp 25-30
Author
Abbasi M. et al
Publisher
 
Year
2008
ISBN
Marburg & Gatersl
Description
 
].

Medicinal

The aerial parts of the plant are antidiabetic, antihelminthic, antirheumatic, and aphrodiasic[
2259
Title
The effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium elburzense Wendelbo bulb on dexamethasone-induced dyslipidemia, hype
Publication
Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, February 2018; 13(1): 22-29
Author
Safaeian L. et al
Website
http://10.4103/1735-5362.220964
Publisher
 
Year
2018
ISBN
 
Description
 
]. Eating the leaves of this plant is said to lower blood-cholesterol levels[
2256
Title
Chapter 3: Wild Allium species used as food and folk medicine in Iran
Publication
First Kazbegi workshop on Botany, taxonomy and phytochemistry of wild Allium L. species of the Caucasus and Central Asia pp 25-30
Author
Abbasi M. et al
Publisher
 
Year
2008
ISBN
Marburg & Gatersl
Description
 
].

The aerial parts of the plant have been shown to have anti-hyperglycemic, antispasmodic, fibrinolytic, and antioxidant properties.
A hydroalcoholic extract of the bulb has been shown to have anti-dyslipidemic, anti-hyperglycemic, and antioxidant effects in the treatment of dyslipidemia[
2259
Title
The effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium elburzense Wendelbo bulb on dexamethasone-induced dyslipidemia, hype
Publication
Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, February 2018; 13(1): 22-29
Author
Safaeian L. et al
Website
http://10.4103/1735-5362.220964
Publisher
 
Year
2018
ISBN
 
Description
 
].

Although no other 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[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].

Agroforestry Uses:

Allium species usually grow well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but they inhibit the growth of legumes[
18
Title
Companion Plants.
Publication
 
Author
Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B.
Publisher
Watkins
Year
1979
ISBN
-
Description
Details of beneficial and antagonistic relationships between neighbouring plants.
,
20
Title
Companion Planting for Successful Gardening.
Publication
 
Author
Riotte. L.
Publisher
Garden Way, Vermont, USA.
Year
1978
ISBN
0-88266-064-0
Description
Fairly good.
,
54
Title
How to Enjoy your Weeds.
Publication
 
Author
Hatfield. A. W.
Publisher
Frederick Muller Ltd
Year
1977
ISBN
0-584-10141-4
Description
Interesting reading.
]. They are, in general, bad companions for alfalfa - each species negatively affecting the other[
201
Title
A - Z of Companion Planting.
Publication
 
Author
Allardice.P.
Publisher
Cassell Publishers Ltd.
Year
1993
ISBN
0-304-34324-2
Description
A well produced and very readable book.
].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[
233
Title
Perennial Garden Plants
Publication
 
Author
Thomas. G. S.
Publisher
J. M. Dent & Sons, London.
Year
1990
ISBN
0 460 86048 8
Description
A concise guide to a wide range of perennials. Lots of cultivation guides, very little on plant uses.
].

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[
20
Title
Companion Planting for Successful Gardening.
Publication
 
Author
Riotte. L.
Publisher
Garden Way, Vermont, USA.
Year
1978
ISBN
0-88266-064-0
Description
Fairly good.
].
The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles[
20
Title
Companion Planting for Successful Gardening.
Publication
 
Author
Riotte. L.
Publisher
Garden Way, Vermont, USA.
Year
1978
ISBN
0-88266-064-0
Description
Fairly good.
].

Propagation

Seed -
Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2024-12-13. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Allium+elburzense>

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