Allium condensatum
Turcz.
Huang hua jiu, Umehi songgin
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(c) V.S. Volkotrub, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by V.S. Volkotrub
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) V.S. Volkotrub, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by V.S. Volkotrub
Summary
A bulb growing to 60cm with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by bees and insects. Blooms July to September with seed maturation August to September, hardy to UK zone 5. Prefers light to medium, well-drained soils in mildly acid to basic pH. Requires full sun and moist soil.
Description
An onion family bulb plant. It grows to 60 cm high. The bulb is usually single but there can be 2. It is 1-2 cm across. The covering is red-brown. It is shiny and thinly leathery. The leaves are shorter than the scape. They are 1-2.5 mm wide. There is a channel along one side. The scape is 30-80 cm long and solid. It is covered with leaf sheaths only at the base. The flower head is round and dense with many flowers.
Edible Uses
The bulb, which is about 20mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked. Leaves are also edible raw or cooked. The flowers can be eaten raw and make a useful garnish on salads.
Traditional Uses
The bulbs are eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are eaten raw or cooked. The flowers are used raw to flavour salads.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
No specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, but like other members of its genus it makes a healthy addition to the diet. It contains sulphur compounds that give it its onion flavour, and eaten regularly it can help lower blood cholesterol levels, act as a digestive tonic, 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 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 prefers a sunny position in a light well drained soil. It grows on slopes and meadows from sea level to 2000 m altitude in N China. It grows in Inner Mongolia.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Korea, Mongolia, Russia, Siberia,
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. 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 out seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle, or put three per pot to form clumps more quickly. Grow on in the greenhouse through at least the first winter, then plant out in spring once vigorous and large enough. Division is best done in spring, though plants can be divided at any point in the growing season. Pot up divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until well established before planting out into permanent positions.
Other Uses
The juice of the plant can be used as a moth repellent. The whole plant is also said to repel insects and moles.
Notes
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.
Synonyms
Also Known As
No-rang-bu-chu
References (7)
- Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 27(2,3):121. 1854 (Fl. baical.-dahur. 2(2):217.)
- Chen Xinqi, Liang Songyun, Xu Jiemei, Tamura M.N., Liliaceae. Flora of China. p 122
- East Asia Biodiversity Conservation Network (2015), Important Plants of East Asia II: Endemic Plant Stories. Korea National Arboretum, Pocheon, 232 pages.
- Khasbagan, Hu-Yin Huai, and Sheng-Ji pei, 2000, Wild Plants in the Diet of Athorchin Mongol Herdsmen in Inner Mongolia. Economic Botany 54(4): 528-536
- Khasbagan, Yeruhan and Zhao Hui, 2011, Study on Traditional Knowledge of Wild Edible Plants Used by the Mongolians in Xilingol Typical Steppe Area. Plant Diversity and Resources. 33(2): 239-246
Show all 7 references Hide references
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.pfaf.org
- 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 46
