Morphology and Utilization of Allium L. Species Used as Herbs in Cheese Around Van Province in Turkey

Abstract

Allium L. species used in the present study are obtained during floristic field studies in Van province and surrounding regions between 1999-2014 as a result of field observations and investigation of herbarium samples. According to information from the locals of Van district and uplands, 11 Allium species are determined in well known herb cheese of Van province. These species are Allium aucheri Boiss, Allium kharputense Freyn & Sint., Allium pseudoampeloprasum Miscz. ex Grossh., Allium schoenoprasum L., Allium shatakiense Rech. f., Allium szovitsii Regel, Allium vineale L., Allium cardiostemon Fisch. & C.A.Mey., Allium dictyoprasum C.A.Mey. ex Kunth, Allium stipitatum Regel., Allium scorodoprasum L. subsp. rotundum (L.) Stearn. In this study, the entire process from the collection of leaves from their natural habitat till the incorporation of these into herb cheese will be described with original photographs. In addition, detailed and descriptive information about bulbs (shape, diameter, outertunics colour and structure), stem (lenght), leaf (number, width, shape) and floral characteristics (flowering time, umbel shape and diameter, spathe colour and structure, pedicel lenght, flower shape and colour, filament and anther colour) together with general photographs will be provided. Additionally, brief information about the habitat, endemism, phytogeographical regions of these species and map based distribution in Turkey will be presented.