Common Name:

General Information

Allium minus is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a cluster of bulbs each around 4 - 8mm in diameter. Each bulb produces 5 - 7 leaves 11- 24cm long and a flowering stem around 12 - 20cm long[].
This species is uncommon in the wild, but is cultivated as an edible plant named ‘Yeong-yang-bu-chu’ mainly in Gyeonggi, South Korea[].

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 - South Korea

Habitat

Mesic forests and dry slopes[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

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

Edible Uses

The plant is edible[]. We have no specific information on what parts of the plant are eaten, though this species is very closely related to Allium sensecens L., and was at one time considered to be a synonym of that species. The edible uses of Allium senescens are:-

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , , ]. An onion substitute[, ]. The small bulbs are formed in clusters on a rhizome and are up to 10mm in diameter[]. The bulbs are 10 - 20mm in diameter[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[, ]. A fairly strong onion flavour with a slight bitterness, but acceptable raw[]. We use them in salads or as a flavouring in cooked foods[].

Flowers - raw or cooked. An attractive garnish in salads[].

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

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 -