Common Name:

General Information

Allium shirnakiense is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from an ovoid to globose bulb around 25 - 40mm in diameter; it usually produces 2 - 4 leaves and a flowering stem around 16 - 40cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. Local people often uproot the plants from the wild and grow them as a food crop in their gardens[].
Allium shirnakiense has a very small natural range of less than 10 square kilometers in southeast Turkey. The distribution area has high erosion pressure because of the steep, unforested slopes, and overgrazing. The plant is recommended to be classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2012)[].

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

Habitat

Rocky slopes on limestone; at elevations around 2,000 - 2,100 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Critically Endangered
Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium shirnakiense
Species in this genus generally prefer a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves - raw, cooked as a vegetable or added to pilaf[]. They are also used as a flavouring in pastry, cheese etc[]. The leaves are often dried and used as a flavouring in winter[].

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 -