Common Name:

General Information

Allium szovitsii is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a cylindrical bulb around 10 - 15mm in diameter and 35 - 130cm long; the bulbs are solitary or paired and attached to an ascending rhizome, producing 2 - 3 leaves and a flowering stem around 15 - 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[].

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 - eastern Turkey, Caucasus, northwest Iran

Habitat

Mountain meadows and stony slopes[]. Alpine meadows, igneous rocks on bushy slopes and in gullies, limestone outcrops; at elevations from 2,000 - 3,215 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

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

Edible Uses

Young leaves - raw or cooked as a vegetable[]. They are also used as a flavouring in pastry, cheese etc[].

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 -