Allium monanthum

What to Eat

Edible parts: Flowers, Leaves, Root, Bulb

The bulbs, up to 1cm 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.

Known Hazards

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally on low mountains all over Japan. It grows in forests and on slopes in N China.

Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia,

How to Identify

An onion family plant. A bulb plant. It grows to 10 cm high. The bulb occurs singly and is 0.5-1 cm across. It has a yellowish brown covering. This is sometimes tinged with red. There are 1 or 2 leaves and these are broadly linear. They are 1.5-2 times as long as the scape and 3-8 mm wide. They are flat on one side. They are almost a half circle when cut through. The scape is 5-10 cm long. It is covered with leaf sheaths only at the base.

How to Grow

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 should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. This species might succeed in light woodland in Britain. 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 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. Unusual in the genus for having dioecious flowers. This means that male and female flowers are borne on different plants and at least one plant of each sex needs to be grown in order for fertilization to take place.

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 a greenhouse through at least the first winter, then plant out in spring once growing vigorously. Division is best done in spring, though plants can be divided successfully at any point during the growing season. Pot up divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing well before planting into permanent positions.

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, but members of this genus are generally considered healthy dietary additions. They contain sulphur compounds — responsible for their onion flavour — which, when eaten regularly, can help reduce blood cholesterol levels, support digestive health, and tonify the circulatory system.

Other Uses

The plant juice can be used as a moth repellent, and the whole plant is said to repel both insects and moles.

Allium monanthum, the Korean wild chive, is a spring vegetable with minuscule bulbous roots that have a mild onion flavor and found in the woodlands of Korea, Japan, northeastern Russia (Primorye), and northeastern China (Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning).

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.

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