Common Name:

General Information

Allium iranicum is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a broad ovois-spherical bulb around 20 - 40mm in diameter; it produces 5 - 8 leaves and a flowering stem around 50 - 120cm tall[]
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a health-promoting 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

W. Asia - northern Iraq, Iran

Habitat

Semi-arid areas in mountains at elevations around 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.75 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium iranicum 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[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. The fresh leaves are eaten as vegetable and are chopped to make the traditional Iranian dish 'Kuku'. Both fresh and dried leaves can be cooked with rice. The dried leaves are mixed with yogurt and Dogh (a mixture of yogurt and water)[].

Medicinal

The plant is consumed to help reduce high blood pressure[]. Using the plant is also believed to increase the iron level of the blood[].

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[].

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 -