Common Name:

General Information

Allium tripedale is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a globose bulb around 15mm in diameter; it grows around 50 - 105cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food with health-promoting properties[]. It is grown as an ornamental.
Allium tripedale is widely collected and sold at markets in many towns in western Iran. To our knowledge the plant is endangered because of over-harvesting from the wild[].

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, the Caucasus, Iraq, northwest Iran

Habitat

Rocky mountain slopes; at elevations from 1,600 - 2,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.75 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium tripedale is a fairly cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -20°c.
Species in this genus generally prefer a sunny to lightly shaded position in a light well-drained soil[].
Plants take around 6 years from seed until they produce seed.

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. The fresh green leaves are eaten as a salad and mixed with yoghurt, they are also mixed with cooked foods, and the cut leaves are added to ordinary dough which is then fried in oil[]

Medicinal

Using this plant is said to decrease blood pressure, and to act as a general tonic. It also improves food digestion, it acts against stomach problems and is also said to have anti-diabetic effect[].

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 -