Common Name:

General Information

Allium pskemense is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a bulbous rootstock. It produces around 3 grass-like leaves 20 - 40cm long and a flowering spathe 40 - 80cm long. The plant has a short, rhizomatous rootstock, gradually spreading to form a cluster of growth[, ].
The plant is commonly harvested from the wild for its widespread traditional uses in cooking and medicine. It is often transplanted from the wild and cultivated as a food crop on a garden scale throughout its native range[, ].
Although Allium pskemense is known to be Endangered as a result of overharvesting in part of its range (Uzbekistan), there is no additional information available for populations across the rest of the species' native distribution. The plant is classified as 'Data Deficient' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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 - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan

Habitat

Scrubland habitats[]. Rock crevices and stony places[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	nsects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium pskemense
Species in this genus generally prefer a sunny position in a light, well-drained soil.
The plant is resistant to the disease 'onoin rust' caused by Puccinia allii[].

Edible Uses

The plant is commonly used as a vegetable within its native range[].

Bulb - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[]. The elongate, ovoid bulb is around 4 - 6cm wide[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[].

Medicinal

The plant has medicinal uses[] (no more information is given).

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 - sow spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle - if you want to produce clumps more quickly then put three plants in each pot. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in spring once they are growing vigorously and are large enough.
Division of the cluster, preferably when the plant is dormant.