Allium orientale
Boiss.
Oriental onion
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Summary
Source: WikipediaAllium orientale is a species of wild garlic/onion native to the eastern Mediterranean; Libya, Egypt, Sinai, the Levant, Cyprus and Anatolia. It has high genetic variation but is not widely distributed, suggesting that it may contain cryptic species.
Description
An onion family plant. A bulb plant. It grows to 30 cm high. The bulbs are 15 mm across. The leaves are not more than 2.5 cm wide. The flowers are white or pale lilac with a green mid vein in the tepals. The ovary is dark blackish-green. It opens in a star shape. It occurs in half round heads.
Edible Uses
The bulb, up to 15mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked. Leaves are also edible raw or cooked, and the flowers can be eaten 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.
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 healthy dietary additions. They contain sulphur compounds responsible for their onion flavour, and regular consumption is thought to help reduce blood cholesterol levels, tone 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 in warm temperate places. It grows naturally on limestone hills and slopes and rocky places between 600 - 1870 metres in Turkey.
Where It Grows
Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mediterranean, Turkey, Türkiye,
Cultivation
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Plants are only hardy in the warmer areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to between -5 to -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 once large enough to handle — placing three per pot will build clumps more quickly. Grow under greenhouse conditions for at least the first winter, then plant out in spring once vigorous and sufficiently sized. Division is best done in spring, though the plants can be divided successfully at any point during the growing season and transplanted directly into permanent positions if needed.
Other Uses
The plant juice acts as a moth repellent. The whole plant is also said to repel 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 (5)
- Blamey, M and Grey-Wilson, C., 2005, Wild flowers of the Mediterranean. A & C Black London. p 487
- Diagn. pl. orient. ser. 1, 13:25. 1854
- Ertug, F, Yenen Bitkiler. Resimli Türkiye Florası -I- Flora of Turkey - Ethnobotany supplement
- Paczkowska, G. & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Catalogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 29
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
