Allium semenovii

Allium semenovii is an Asian species of wild onion native to Xinjiang, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. It grows at elevations of 2000–3000 m. Allium semenovii has bulbs up to 15 mm in diameter. Its scapes are up to 50 cm tall. The leaves are flat, up to 15 mm wide. The umbels are spherical and densely crowded with many yellow flowers.

Description

An onion family plant. It is a bulb plant. The bulb can be single or clustered. It is 0.5-1.5 cm across. The covering is a dirty brown. It is fibrous. The leaves are broadly linear. They are usually longer than the scape. They are 5-15 mm wide. The scape is 8-25 cm long. It is covered with leaf sheaths for about 1/3 its length

Edible Uses

The bulbs, approximately 10mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are also edible raw or cooked. The flowers are eaten raw and can be used as a garnish on salads.

Traditional Uses

The young leaves are cooked as a green vegetable.

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 healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds — responsible for their characteristic onion flavour — and regular consumption can help reduce blood cholesterol levels, tone the digestive system, and support healthy circulation.

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 forest margins and damp slopes from 2000-3000 m in N China.

Where It Grows

Asia, Central Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan,

Cultivation

Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. 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 they are large enough to handle; placing three plants per pot will produce clumps more quickly. Grow under glass for at least their first winter, then plant out into permanent positions in spring once vigorous and well-sized. Divide in spring, though the plants can be divided 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 serves as a moth repellent, and the whole plant is said to deter both 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

Guan si cong

References (5)

• Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 41(1):449. 1868 "semenori"
• Chen Xinqi, Liang Songyun, Xu Jiemei, Tamura M.N., Liliaceae. Flora of China. p 125
• Misra, S. et al, 2008, Wild leafy vegetables: A study of their subsistence dietetic support to the inhabitants of Nanda Devi Biosphere reserve, India. Journal or Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 4:15
• Negi, K. S., and Pant, K. C., 1992, Less-Known Wild Species of Allium L. (Amaryllidaceae) from Mountainous Regions of India. Economic Botany, Vol. 46, No. 1, pp. 112-114
• Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.pfaf.org

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