Allium hookeri

Allium hookeri is a plant species native to India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Bhutan, and southwestern China (Sichuan, Tibet and Yunnan). Common names include Hooker chives and garlic chives. Allium hookeri produces thick, fleshy roots and a cluster of thin bulbs. Scapes are up top 60 cm tall. Leaves are flat and narrow, about the same length as the scapes but only 1 cm across. Umbels are crowded with many white or greenish-yellow flowers.

Description

An onion family plant. A bulb plant. The root is long and thick and fleshy. There are a cluster of bulbs. They are long. The leaves are narrow. The flowering heads are round and have many flowers. There are a few black seeds.

Edible Uses

The bulb can be eaten raw or cooked, and the leaves are also edible raw or cooked. The flowers are edible raw and work well as a 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. They are also fried and eaten and crushed. The plant is used for soup.

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, but members of this genus are generally considered healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds responsible for their onion flavour, and regular consumption can help reduce 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 subtropical plant. It grows on the edges of the forests in moist places between 1400-4200 m altitude in S China. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tibet,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. The plant is cultivated as a food crop in southern China. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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 — placing three plants per pot will produce clumps more quickly. Grow on in the greenhouse for at least the first winter, then plant out in spring once vigorous and large enough. For division, split plants in spring; they divide successfully at any point during the growing season. Pot divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until established before planting out permanently.

Other Uses

The plant's juice can be used as a moth repellent. The whole plant is also said to repel insects and moles.

Other Information

It is cultivated as a vegetable in some parts of South China.

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.

Nutrition

Synonyms

Also Known As

Da la pu, Hooker's chive, Kaisuon, Kuan ye jiu, Maan, Maroi napakpi, Mizo-Purun, Nyishi talap, Phulun pah, Phulunzung, Pu-run-jung, Purunui, Su ceng, Tingdra, Tao gu, Tlang purun

References (26)

• Altschul, S.V.R., 1973, Drugs and Foods from Little-known Plants. Notes in Harvard University Herbaria. Harvard Univ. Press. Massachusetts. no. 261
• Chen Xinqi, Liang Songyun, Xu Jiemei, Tamura M.N., Liliaceae. Flora of China. p 105
• Chen, W., et al, 2021, Wild plants used by the Lhoba people in Douyu Village, characterized by high mountains and valleys, in southeastern Tibet, China. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2021) 17:46
• Cheng, Z., et al, 2022, Ethnobotanical study on wild edible plants used by Dulong people in northwestern Yunnan, China. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2022) 18:3
• Devi, O. S., et al, 2021, Wild edible plants associated witht the people of Thoubal Khunou village and its migrated villagers. Int. J. Adv. Res. Biol. Sci. 8(9): 72-90

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