Allium galanthum
Kar. & Kir.
Shi ting cong
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iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) vladimir_epiktetov, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by vladimir_epiktetov
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) vladimir_epiktetov, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by vladimir_epiktetov
Summary
Source: WikipediaAllium galanthum is an Asian species of onion in the amaryllis family, commonly called the snowdrop onion. It is native to Xinjiang, Mongolia, Altay Krai, and Kazakhstan. It grows at elevations of 500–1,500 m (1,600–4,900 ft). Allium galanthum forms a cluster of bulbs, each up to 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter. Scapes are up to 60 cm (24 in) tall. Leaves are tubular, about half as long as the scapes. Umbels are spherical with a large number of white flowers. Allium galanthum is edible and reportedly has medicinal uses.
Description
An onion family plant. A bulb plant. The bulbs are clustered. They are like a cylinder and inflated at the base. They are 1.5-3 cm across. The covering is red-brown and thinly leathery. The plant grows to 30 cm high. The leaves are 1/2 to 2/3 as long as the scape. They are 3-10 mm wide. The scape is 30-60 cm long. It is round and solid. It is covered with leaf sheaths only at the base.
Edible Uses
The bulb is edible raw or cooked and measures 15–30mm in diameter. The leaves can also be eaten raw or cooked. The flowers are edible 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. However, as with other members of this genus, it is considered a healthy dietary addition. Alliums contain sulphur compounds responsible for their onion flavour, and regular consumption is associated with reduced blood cholesterol, a tonic effect on the digestive system, and support for 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 grows naturally on stony slopes in China, Mongolia and Siberia. It prefers a sunny position and a light well drained soil. It can grow on moist and acid soils. It grows between 500-1500 m altitude in N China.
Where It Grows
Asia, Central Asia, China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Siberia, Tajikistan,
Cultivation
An easily grown plant, it prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Succeeds in moist and acid soils. The plant is related to the cultivated onion, A. cepa, and could be of value in breeding programmes. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. 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 — placing three plants per pot will produce clumps more quickly. Grow on in the greenhouse for at least the first winter and plant out into permanent positions in spring once growing vigorously. Division can be done in spring, and the plants will divide successfully at any point during the growing season. Pot up divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until established, then plant out into permanent positions.
Other Uses
The plant's juice can be used as a moth repellent, and the whole plant is said to deter 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
References (5)
- Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 15(3):508. 1842 May 23 (Enum. pl. desert. Songor.)
- Chen Xinqi, Liang Songyun, Xu Jiemei, Tamura M.N., Liliaceae. Flora of China. p 124
- 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
- Wiersema, J. H. & Leon, B., 2013, World Economic Plants. A Standard Reference CRC Press. 2nd Ed. p 34
