Common Name:

General Information

Allium suworowii is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from an underground bulb. It produces a cluster of 2 - 6 strap-shaped leaves 10 - 30cm long and a flowering scape 30 - 100cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It has a relatively large bulb and has been included in cultivation trials in Tajikistan[].

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, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan

Habitat

Loosely textured soils in foothills, chiefly as a weed in oases[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium suworowii
Species in this genus generally prefer a sunny position in a light, well-drained soil.

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked. Large[]. Pickled and prepared in preserves[]. The ovoid bulb is 20 - 30mm in diameter[].

The leaves and flowers of Allium species are also generally edible[].

Medicinal

The fresh bulbs are used in the treatment of skin diseases and vitamin deficiency[].

Although no further 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 bulbs, preferably when the plant is dormant.