Common Name: Tunceli Onion

General Information

Allium tuncelianum is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from an ovoid bulb 10 - 25mm in diameter; it produces 3 - 4 leaves and a flowering stem around 30 - 100cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is harvested in quantity from the wild and often sold as a food in bazaars and markets, valued especially for its aroma. More than 20 tonnes are sold per annum[].

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

Habitat

Eroded slopes, rocky places,limestone scree; at elevations from 1,100 - 2,100 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

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

Edible Uses

Plant - raw or cooked[]. The part is not specified but all parts should be edible[]

Medicinal

The fresh bulbils are eaten as a treatment for hypotension and cancer, and also as a remedy for internal parasites[]. The entry does say hypotension, though usually Allium species treat hypertension[])

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 -