Common Name:

General Information

Allium rosenbachianum is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a globose bulb around 15 - 25mm in diameter; it produces 2 - 3 leaves and a flowering stem around 50 - 70cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown 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[].

Botanical References

Range

Central to eastern Asia - Tadzhikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan

Habitat

Stony slopes, often in the shade of rocks and trees; at elevations from 2,000 - 3,500 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium rosenbachianum is a plant of central Asia, growing in a semi-arid, continental climate with cold winters and warm to hot summers. The bulb can tolerate temperatures down to -25°c, or perhaps even lower, but the new growth is produced early in the year and can be damaged by anything more than a light to medium frost,
Requires a warm position in a well-drained soil[].

Edible Uses

Both fresh and dried leaves, depending on the season, are used in a range of Tajik national dishes[].

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 - 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 in spring or early summer after the plants die down