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Allium stipitatum: The Majestic Flowering Onion
Allium stipitatum, often referred to as the Persian shallot, is a captivating flowering plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. Native to Central and Southwestern Asia, this species is renowned for its striking, globe-shaped flower heads and tall, elegant stems.
Botanical Characteristics
Description:
Allium stipitatum grows from bulbs, characterized by their blackish, papery tunics.
The plant produces 4–6 basal leaves, which are broad, green to grayish-green, and may be hairy. Notably, these leaves typically wither before the plant flowers.
The flowers are borne on tall stems, ranging from 60–150 cm in height, and are arranged in an umbel.
The umbels themselves are spherical, measuring approximately 8–12 cm in diameter, and contain numerous individual flowers.
The flowers exhibit a typical Allium shape, featuring a superior ovary and six tepals, which are usually lilac to purple in color, although white varieties also exist.
Habitat:
This species thrives in rocky slopes and fields at elevations between 1,500–2,500 meters.
It is known to grow wild in areas such as the Zagros Mountains.
Cultivars and Recognition
Notable Cultivars:
‘Mount Everest’ and ‘Violet Beauty’ are two prominent cultivars that have been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. These cultivars are highly prized for their ornamental value.
Distinctive Features:
Allium stipitatum is recognized as a “drumstick allium,” characterized by its spherical umbel atop a tall stipe. This feature can lead to confusion with other similar Allium species.
Uses and Applications
Allium stipitatum – Wikipedia
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Culinary Uses:
In Iran, the bulbs of Allium stipitatum, known as “Mousir,” are consumed. They are typically harvested from the wild, sliced, dried, and sold in markets.
Before consumption, the shallots are often soaked for several days and then boiled to reduce their strong flavor.
Crushed Mousir is also very popular mixed into yogurt.
Ornamental Value:
Allium stipitatum is widely cultivated for its ornamental appeal, adding a touch of elegance to gardens and floral arrangements.
The plant’s tall stems and striking flower heads make it a popular choice for mixed borders.
Medicinal Properties:
In Central Asia, Allium stipitatum is used in traditional medicine.
Studies have identified pyridine-N-oxide derivatives in bulb extracts, which have shown activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Analysis has also revealed the presence of N-hydroxypyridine-2-thione (pyrithione), a compound with antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Cultivation and Care
Growing Conditions:
Allium stipitatum prefers well-drained, sunny conditions, mirroring its natural habitat.
When grown from seed, it may take approximately four years for the plant to flower.
Considerations:
The plant’s withering leaves can be unattractive during the flowering period, so careful placement in the garden is recommended.
This species produces numerous offsets, which can lead to it becoming invasive in garden borders.
Additional Information
Taxonomy:
There are discussions within botanical circles regarding the classification of Allium stipitatum and Allium hirtifolium, with some considering them the same species, while others maintain they are distinct.
The epithet “stipitatum” refers to the “little stalk” of the ovary.
Distribution:
This plant is found in a wide range of central and south west Asian countries, including, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.
