Common Name: No-Binu

General Information

Allium macrostemon is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 3 - 4 leaves 20 - 50cm long and a flowering scape 30 - 90cm tall from a single subglobose bulb around 13 - 28mm in diameter[, , ]. Stolons with 1 - 2 bulbils branch out of the bulb, the plant forming in time a cluster of growth[].
This species is one of the most popular edible Allium species in Korea and northeastern China, where it is eaten as a vegetable, and is also often harvested in Russia, where it is more commonly pickled[]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine, it has occasionally been cultivated on a garden scale and is often sold in local food markets[, ].
Despite being assessed locally as Critically Endangered in Mongolia, Allium macrostemon is documented to be the most widespread and abundant Allium species in Korea and northeast China; it is also known to have reproducing populations in at least three protected areas in Russia. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' 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 - Russian Far East (Primorye), Mongolia, China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Meadows and arable land[]. Found throughout China on hills, slopes, valleys and plains; at elevations from near near sea level to 1,600 metres (3,000 metres in Yunnan)[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium macrostemon
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[].
A very high yielding species[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other plants[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. A garlic-like flavour[].Often used for pickling[]. The subglobose bulb is about 15mm in diameter[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[, , ].

Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads[].

Medicinal

The plant is astringent, carminative and diuretic[]. It is used in the treatment of stuffiness sensation and pain in the chest, angina pectoris, pleurisy, bronchitis, diarrhoea and tenesmus in cases of dysentery[].
A decoction of the bulb is cooling and depurative[]. The bulb and leaves, eaten as part of the diet, are emmenagogue, nervine and tonic[].

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 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.