Common Name:

General Information

Allium noeanum is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a broadly ovoid bulb around 15 - 25mm in diameter; it produces 1 - 4 leaves and a flowering stem around 20 - 30cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It is sometimes sold as a food in local markets, and is also grown as an ornamental[, ]
Allium noeanum is threatened by rapid urbanisation, the conversion of its habitats to agriculture, road construction and war zones. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

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 - southeast Turkey, northern Syria, northern Iraq, northern Iran

Habitat

Open rocky slopes, arable land, heavy clayey non-lime and basaltic soil, at elevations from 300 - 2,200 metres[, ]. Plants below 1,000 metres are generally found in agricultural land, above that elevation they are found in natural habitats[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium noeanum is a plant of semi-arid areas in the temperate zone. It can withstand winter temperatures down to around -25°c, but can be killed by mild, moist winters. It also requires a hot, dry summer to fully ripen its bulb[].
Requires a well-drained soil in a sunny position. Often found in clay soils in the wild[].
The flowers are sweetly scented[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - eaten as a vegetable[, ].

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) is antibacterial and antifungal[].

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 -
Division. This species is said to not produce bulblets and so cannot be propagated vegetatively[].