This species is allied to Allium orientale Boiss.[].

Common Name:

General Information

Allium kharputense is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from an ovoid to subglobose bulb around 15 - 30mm in diameter; it produces 2 - 3 leaves and a flowering stem around 30 - 50cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is also sold as a food in local markets[].

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 - southern and eastern Turkey, Lebanon, northern Iraq,

Habitat

Fallow fields, grassy slopes, cultivated fields and vineyards, on basaltic and heavy red clay soils and limestone rocks; at elevations from 900 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Allium kharputense
Species in this genus generally prefer a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[].
The plants are dug up from the wild in Turkey and transplanted into gardens to be used as a source of fresh edible leaves[].

Edible Uses

Leaves and young shoots - harvested in the spring and used in soups, bulgar pilaf etc[]. They are also dried for winter use[2253'

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 -