Allium rubellum, loosely interpreted, constitutes a highly composite, polymorphic complex of East Mediterranean xerophilous plants, and is still far from being adequately understood. The complex has at times been treated as a single species, but is now generally treated as a complex of several closely related species including Allium rubellum plus Allium anisotepalum Vved.; Allium jacquemontii Kunth; Allium leucosphaerum Aitch. & Baker; Allium minutum Vved.; Allium parvulum Vved. And Allium umbilicatum Boiss.[].

Common Name:

General Information

Allium rubellum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 3 - 4 leaves 10 - 40cm long and a flowering scape 15 - 60cm tall from an ovoid bulb around 10 - 15mm thick. The plant divides, forming in time a cluster of plants[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes sold in local markets in India, especially in the form of the dried and powdered leaves[].

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 - Turkey, Caucasus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan

Habitat

Dry steppes and semi deserts[]. Very free draining soils and coarse sands with a low water table in Kashmir[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Allium rubellum is a plant of semi-arid areas in central and eastern Asia, and can tolerate cold winters with temperatures going below zero. However, it requires a dry period in the summer and autumn when it is dormant and so, even in very freely-draining soils, does not do very well outdoors in areas with summer and autumn rain. In such areas it is best grown in a cold greenhouse or bulb frame[].
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , , , ].

Leaves - raw or cooked. The leaves are dried and preserved for use as a condiment[, , , ].

Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads.

Medicinal

The leaves, bulbs and roots are used to treat a range of common health problems including coughs and colds, skin rashes[].

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 in spring. The plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season, pot up the divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing well and then plant them out into their permanent positions.