Drumstick allium, Persian shallot
Allium stipitatum

Family: Amaryllidaceae

What it is like

An onion family plant. It is a bulb plant. This is 3-6 cm across. There are 4-6 leaves from the base. They are greyish green and slightly hairy. The leaves wither by the time the bulbs form. The flowers are on stems 60-150 cm tall. The individual flowers arise from one point forming a round head. These are 8-12 cm across.

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.

Where it is found

It grows naturally on the rocky steppes of Afghanistan and Pakistan. It grows between 1,500-2,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Europe, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Middle East, Pakistan, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

How it is used for food

The bulb is used for flavouring. The flowers can be eaten raw or used as a garnish on salads.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, root, bulb

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Anzur pijoz, Mooseer, White Giant

Synonyms

Allium atropurpureum var. hirtulum Regel; Allium hirtifolium Boiss.;