Common Name:

General Information

Allium macranthum is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing from a bulbous rootstock. It produces a cluster of grass-like leaves 15 - 45cm long and a flowering spathe 20 - 45cm tall. The plant spreads slowly by means of a rhizome, eventually forming a cluster of growth[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes sold as a food in local markets, often in the form of dried and powdered leaves. The plant 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 - China, northeast India (Himalayas)

Habitat

Meadows, stream banks, damp places; at elevations from 2,700 - 4,200 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Allium macranthum
An easily grown plant, succeeding in most, moist, well-drained soils in a sunny position[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. Used as a vegetable and flavouring. The leaves are sometimes dried and powdered for use as a flavouring[].

Bulb - raw or cooked.

Flowers - raw or cooked.

Medicinal

The leaves, bulbs and roots are used to treat a range of common health problems including coughs and colds, skin rashes[].

Although no other 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 cluster, preferably when the plant is dormant.