This species is sometimes treated as no more than a synonym of Allium victorialis L.[].

Common Name:

General Information

Allium microdictyon is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a conical-cylindrical bulb around 15mm wide. The plant produces a flowering stem 30 - 70cm tall, sheathed by 2 - 3 leaves. The bulb spreads by means of a short rhizome on which more bulbs are produced, the plant forming small clusters of growth[].
The plant is commonly harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes also cultivated on a garden scale as a food crop[].

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 - eastern Siberia, Russian Far East, Mongolia, northern China, Korea

Habitat

Damp, dark, coniferous taiga forests, forests and sub-alpine meadows[]. Shaded and moist slopes, shaded and wet forests, pastures and stream sides; at elevations above 1,300 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

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

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked as a vegetable[]. The leaves are used fresh, salted for later use or added to soups, stews etc[]. A good source of vitamin C, the amount of which more than doubles when the plant is grown as a cultivated crop[].

No more information is given, but the bulbs and flowers will also be edible[]. The bulb of the closely related Allium victorialis is used as an onion substitute[]. It is said to be as pungent as garlic[].

Medicinal

The leaves are a rich source of vitamin C and are used as an antiscorbutic[].

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.