This species is generally regarded as a close, wild relative of Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng., though some treatments have included Allium tuberosum as a synonym of this species. Some reports in literature of this species being cultivated more accurately refer to Allium tuberosum, though Allium ramosum is also sometimes cultivated[, , ].

Common Name: Chinese Chives

General Information

Allium ramosum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a cluster of 3 - 7 grass-like leaves 20 - 50cm long and a flowering scape 25 - 60cm tall from a cylindrically ovoid bulb around 5 - 15mm in diameter. The bulbs are produced in groups of 1 - 3 along a well-developed, horizontal rhizome, forming in time a cluster of growth[, , ].
The plant is often harvested from the wild for local use as a food, and is sometimes also cultivated as a food plant within its native range[, ]. A very ornamental plant that is often grown in gardens, the flowers are especially attractive.
Allium ramosum is a widespread species that has reproducing populations present in established protected areas in Russia, some of which are recorded as common; ex situ collections of this species also exist. 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

Asia - Kazakhstan, Russian Federation from western Siberia to the Far East, Mongolia, China

Habitat

Plain steppes or forest steppe belts, dry, alkaline meadows, stony hill slopes, waterside pebbles and other petrophytic communities[]. Sunny hills and pastures at elevations from 500 - 2,100 metres in northern China[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium ramosum
An easily grown plant[], it prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[, ].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[].
Very closely related to Allium tuberosum[, , ].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked. The small bulbs are about 10mm in diameter[].

Leaves - raw or cooked. The flavour is somewhat between that of garlic and chives[]. An excellent taste, the leaves have a pleasant sweetness mixed with a strong onion flavour[].

Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads.

Medicinal

The leaves and bulbs contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour), saponins and bitter substances[]. They possess antibacterial properties and are used in Vietnam in the treatment of haemoptysis, epistaxis, cough, sore throat, asthma, dysentery, dyspepsia etc[]. 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[].

The seed contains alkaloids and saponins[]. It is used in the treatment of spermatorrhoea, haematuria, incontinence, lumbago etc[].

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. 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.