Common Name:

General Information

Allium przewalskianum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a cluster of leaves 10 - 45cm long and flowering scapes 10 - 40cm tall from a cluster of underground bulbs[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

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, northern India, Nepal

Habitat

Steppes to 4,800 metres[]. Scrub, dry slopes, plains and rock crevices at elevations of 2,000 - 4,800 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium przewalskianum is only hardy in the milder areas of he temperate zone, it probably tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c.
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked. A very pleasant onion flavour[], though rather on the small size and scarcely exceeding 10mm in diameter[]. Harvested in the autumn, they will store for at least 6 month[].

Leaves - raw or cooked. Tender and delicious[]. The leaves are rather on the small and thin side, but have an excellent onion favour[]. They make a nice refreshing munch when working in the garden and also go very well in salads. They can be harvested from spring until the autumn[].

Flowers - raw. A pleasant onion flavour, they are 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 in spring. Very easy, the plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season and the divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.