Common Name: Rocambole

General Information

Allium scorodoprasum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 3 - 5 leaves up to 40cm long and a flowering scape 40 - 80cm tall from a globose to ovoid bulb around 10 - 20mm in diameter. The bulb produces numerous bulblets, forming in time a cluster of plants[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is occasionally cultivated, especially in Russia, for its edible bulb[]. Some forms of this plant do not produce bulbils and make good garden plants[].
Many forms of this species produce numerous bulbils in the flowering head[]. The plants can become very invasive by means of these bulbils[].

Known Hazards

Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in very large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Europe - Norway to Britain and France, east to Russia, Ukraine and Greece; W. Asia - Turkey south to Israel, east to the Caucasus

Habitat

Grassland and scrub on dry soils[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium scorodoprasum
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[]. Thrives in poor dry soils[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[].
Many forms of this species produce numerous bulbils in the flowering head and can become very invasive by means of these bulbils[]. The sub-species A. scorodoprasum jajlae and A. scorodoprasum rotundum do not produce bulbils[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, ]. A garlic substitute[, , , ], it is used as a flavouring in salads, soups etc[]. The bulbs are smaller than garlic and have a milder flavour, they are produced at the points of the stem as well as at the base[]. The bulbs are 10 - 20mm in diameter[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[]. Used as a flavouring in salads etc[].

Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads.

Medicinal

The plant is digestive and depurative[].
The bulb is used in the treatment of abscesses, amoebic dysentery, bronchitis, cholera, dysentery, influenza, skin diseases and TB[].

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.