Common Name:

General Information

Allium omeiense is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a cluster of leaves 35 - 75cm long and a flowering scape 30 - 65cm tall from a cluster of underground bulbs, each around 15 - 20mm in diameter[].
The plant is cultivated as a vegetable on Emei Shan[].

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 (central Sichuan)

Habitat

Stream banks and slopes; at elevations from 1,000 - 1,200 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Allium omeiense grows at moderate elevations in a subtropical region of China. It is only likely to succeed outdoors in milder areas of the temperate zone[].
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked. The bulbs are about 15 - 20mm in diameter[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[].

Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on 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 - 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.