Allium atropurpureum
Waldst. & Kit.
Mini purple allium
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Norbert Sauberer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Norbert Sauberer
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Norbert Sauberer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Norbert Sauberer
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Norbert Sauberer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Norbert Sauberer
Summary
Source: WikipediaAllium atropurpureum is a plant species native to Hungary, the Balkans, and Turkey. It is widely grown as an ornamental for its rich, deep purple flowers.
Description
An onion family plant. A bulb plant. It grows to 60-90 cm high. The bulbs are 15 - 30 mm wide. The flowers are wine red and small and starry. The flowers are 5 cm across and borne in a round head.
Edible Uses
The bulbs are edible raw or cooked and measure 15–30mm wide. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The flowers are used raw as a garnish on salads.
Traditional Uses
The bulbs are eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are eaten raw or cooked. The flowers are used raw or to flavour salads.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
No specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, but members of this genus are generally considered very healthy dietary additions. They contain sulphur compounds responsible for their onion flavour, and eaten regularly they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system, and support circulatory health.
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.
Distribution
It grows naturally in shaded humus rich soils along rocky cliffs between 1900 metres to 2200 metres in the Himalayas in North India. It prefers a sunny position in a light well drained soil. It should tolerate temperatures down to -10°C.
Where It Grows
Asia, Australia, Europe, Himalayas, Hungary, India,
Cultivation
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant. Judging by its habit, this plant should also tolerate some shade. This species is only hardy in the milder areas of the country, it should tolerate temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle — placing three plants per pot will build clumps more quickly. Grow on in the greenhouse through at least their first winter, then plant out into permanent positions in spring once they are vigorous and of sufficient size. Division is best carried out in spring, though the plants divide successfully at any point during the growing season. Pot up the divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing well before planting out into permanent positions.
Other Uses
The plant's juice can be used as a moth repellent, and the whole plant is said to deter insects and moles.
Notes
There are about 300-700 Allium species. Most species of Allium are edible (Flora of China). All alliums are edible but they may not all be worth eating! They have also been put in the family Alliaceae.
References (4)
- Descr. icon. pl. Hung. 1:16, t. 17. 1800
- Joyce, D., 1998, The Garden Plant Selector. Ryland, Peters and Small. p 280
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Wiersema, J. H. & Leon, B., 2013, World Economic Plants. A Standard Reference CRC Press. 2nd Ed. p 33
