Common Name: Miyama-Rakkyo

General Information

Allium splendens is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 3 - 4 leaves 15 - 30cm long and a flowering scape 20 - 35cm (occ to 50cm) tall from a single or paired cylindrically ovoid bulb around 5 - 10mm in diameter[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

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

E. Asia - Western Siberia to Russian Far East, Mongolia, China, Japan, Korea

Habitat

Alpine meadows in C. and N. Japan[]. Also found in light woodland[]. Forests, scrub, meadows and moist slopes at elevations of 100 - 1,000 metres in northern China[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium splendens
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[].
This species is closely related to Allium lineare[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw, cooked or pickled[, , , ]. Rather small[]. The bulbs are about 3 - 7cm long and 5 - 7mm 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 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.