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Herbs & Plants

Allium cupanii

Botanical Name : Allium cupanii
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Subfamily:Allioideae
Genus: Allium
Species:A. moschatum
Division:Vascular plants
Kingdom:plants
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales

Synonyms : Allium moschatum

Common Names:

Habitat : Allium cupanii is native to S. Europe – Mediterranean to W. Asia.( with a range extending from Spain to Iran.) It grows on the pinus nigra forest, amongst Quercus parygana, alpine and grey steppe rocky places on limestone, serpentine and schist, to 2200 metres in Turkey….CLICK &  SEE THE PICTURES

Description:
Allium moschatum is a bulb-forming perennial. Flowers are born in umbels on top of thin, wiry scapes rarely more than 15 cm tall; tepals white with a thin but prominent purple midvein.. It is in flower in August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, insects.

The species is divided into the following species:
*A. c. Cupani
*A. c. Cyprium
Cultivation:
Requires a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Only hardy in the milder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. The bulbs show some summer dormancy and so are best grown in a bulb frame, water being withheld in late summer. 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:
Seed – sow spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when
Seed – so they are large enough to handle – if you want to produce clumps more quickly then put three plants in each pot. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in spring once they are growing vigorously and are large enough. Division in spring. The plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season, pot up the divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing well and then plant them out into their permanent positions.

Edible Uses: Bulb – raw or cooked. The bulb is up to 15mm in diameter. Leaves – raw or cooked. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads.

Medicinal Uses:
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.

Other Uses: The juice of the plant is used as a moth repellent. The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles.

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.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allium_moschatum
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+cupanii

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