Common Name:

General Information

Allium altaicum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 2 - 4 leaves 15 - 50cm long long and a flowering scape 40 - 100cm tall from a solitary, underground bulb[, ]. New bulbs are produced on a short rhizome, the plant eventually forming a cluster of growth[].
The plant is commonly harvested from the wild for use as a food and, as wild resources were over exploited, it was also taken into cultivation in its native region - it is often sold in markets[, ]. A close-relative of the cultivated Welsh Onion (Allium fistulosum), it has potential for use in breeding programmes[].
Despite being a widespread species, Allium altaicum populations are documented to be in decline and rare in both Russian and Mongolian parts of its range. This species has a limited estimated area of occupancy (AOO) of 48 km2, and reports of a decline in AOO, quality of habitat, number of locations and number of mature individuals in Mongolia mean that it is listed as Vulnerable according to Mongolia's regional Red List assessment of the species. Globally, due to its low AOO, this species almost qualifies for listing as Endangered. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Kazakhstan, southern Siberia, Mongolia, northern China.

Habitat

Rocky and stony areas[, ]. Slopes and plains in N. China[]. Dry, rocky habitats, on rocks and on rubbly taluses in sub-Alpine mountain zones; at elevations from 1,900 - 2,400 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium altaicum is very cold-tolerant and can be grown outdoors in most of the moist temperate zone[].
An easily grown plant[], it prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[]. Succeeds in moist and acid soils[].
In Kazakhstan this species is recognized as an edible under-utilized plant, requiring thorough study, breeding, and marketingin order to achieve sustainable exploitation of this species as an economic resource[].
Bees are very fond of the flowers of this plant[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[].

Edible Uses

The plant is used as a table vegetable[]. No more information is given, but since this species is probably the ancestor of the cultivated Welsh Onion (Allium fistulosum), it is almost certain that it can be used in the same ways[]. These are:-

Bulb - raw or cooked[]. A strong onion flavour, it can be used in salads, as a cooked vegetable or as a flavouring in cooked foods[, ]. The bulbs are formed in clusters on a rhizome and are up to 4cm wide[], they are sometimes used as spring onions[]. A nutritional analysis is available[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[]. They have a mild onion flavour[] and can be added to salads or cooked as a vegetable[]. The leaves are often available all through the winter if the weather is not too severe[]. They contain about 1.4% protein, 0.3% fat, 4.6% carbohydrate, 0.8% ash, some vitamin B1 and moderate levels of vitamin C[].

Flowers - raw. A pleasant onion flavour, but they are rather on the dry side[].

Medicinal

Although no specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Allium species usually grow well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but they inhibit the growth of legumes[, , ]. They are, in general, bad companions for alfalfa - each species negatively affecting the other[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Other Uses

This species is probably an ancestor of the Welsh onion, Allium fistulosum[] and as such is a potential genetic resource. It is very promising as a source of powdery mildew resistance genes[].
The extreme frost hardiness of this species may become important in future breeding programs for Allium cepa and Allium fistulosum[].

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the juice of most species in this genus (especially those with a strong onion or garlic smell) can be used as a moth repellent[].
The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle - if you want to produce clumps more quickly then put three plants in each pot. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in spring once they are growing vigorously and are large enough.
Division in spring. The plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season, pot up the divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing well and then plant them out into their permanent positions.