Allium splendens
Willd. ex Schult. & Schult. f.
Glittering onion, Chishima-rakkyo
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Summary
Source: WikipediaA small bulbous perennial reaching 30cm tall, hardy to UK zone 5, not frost-tender. Flowers July to August, self-fertile hermaphrodite pollinated by bees and insects. Thrives in light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soil with mildly acid to alkaline pH. Requires full sun and moist soil.
Description
An onion family plant. It can have one or two bulbs. They are a narrow cylinder shape and 4-7 mm across. The leaves are narrow and 1-3 mm across.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The bulbs are rather small, measuring about 3–7cm long and 5–7mm in diameter, and can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. The leaves are edible raw or cooked. The flowers are eaten raw and used as a garnish on salads.
Traditional Uses
The small bulbs are boiled or pickled and eaten with vinegar and soy.
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 very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds responsible for their onion flavour, and eaten regularly they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system, and support the circulatory system.
Known Hazards
Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in very large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows in forests and on moist slopes between 100-1,000 m above sea level in north China.
Where It Grows
Asia, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia,
Cultivation
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants. This species is closely related to A. lineare. 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 when large enough to handle — for faster clumps, place three plants per pot. Grow on in the greenhouse for at least the first winter, then plant out in spring once growing vigorously. Division in spring is very easy; plants can be divided successfully at any point during the growing season and the divisions planted straight into their permanent positions if needed.
Other Uses
The plant juice is used as a moth repellent. The whole plant is also said to repel insects and moles.
Notes
They have also been put in the family Alliaceae.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Miyama-rakkyo
References (3)
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 7
- Syst. veg. 7(2):1023. 1830
- Urgamal, M., et al, 2014, Conspectus of the Vascular Plants of Mongolia. Mongolia Academy of Sciences Institute of Botany and National University of Mongolia Department of Biology. p 48
