Common Name:

General Information

Allium rhabdotum is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from an elongated cylindrical bulb around 15 - 20mm in diameter; it produces 2 - 4 leaves and a flowering stem that can be 80 - 125cm tall[]. Spreading by means of a short rhizome, the plant forms dene clumps of bulbs.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.
Although Allium rhabdotum has a small, restricted range, it is widely distributed within that range and is not considered to be under any threat. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[].

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 - Himalayan regions of Bhutan and northern India (Arunachal Pradesh)

Habitat

Wet areas along by streams,and in Rhododendron scrub; at elevations from 3,810 - 4,270 metres[]. In running water, in gravel by a stream edge, on open grassy hillsides and among dwarf rhododendrons and juniper[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Habit	Bulb
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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

Edible Uses

Tender young shoots - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[]. The shoots are often cut up and dried for later use[].

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 -