Common Name:

General Information

Allium consanguineum is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a small, cylindrical, underground bulb. It produces 3 - 5 grass-like leaves and a flowering stem up to 35cm tall. New bulbs are produced on a short, rhizomatous rootstock, the plant developing into a cluster of bulbs[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes cultivated for its leaves in northern Myanmar and northeastern India. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

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 - Himalayan regions of Pakistan and northwest India

Habitat

Dry alpine slopes; at elevations from 3,500 - 5,000 metres.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium consanguineum
Species in this genus generally prefer a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[]. Used as a vegetable and a flavouring[, ].

Bulb - raw or cooked.

Flowers - raw or cooked. Used as a vegetable and a flavouring, usually with the leaves[].

Medicinal

The plant is used medicinally[]. No more information is given.

An extract of the rhizomes has been shown to have effective antibacterial and antifungal properties[]. A chloroform extraction was more active than a water extraction[].

Although no further 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

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 of the clump. Individual bulbs or larger clumps can be separated from the main clump - individual bulbs can be planted directly into their permanent position, but are probably best grown in pots or a nursery bed until established. Larger divisions can be planted direct into their permanent position.