Common Name:

General Information

Allium stracheyi is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a flowering scape 35 - 40cm tall from an underground bulb[].
The plant is a popular food (mainly used as a flavouring) and is also used commonly as a medicine in those parts of the Himalayas where it is native.

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 - Pakistan, through the Himalayas to Nepal

Habitat

Alpine meadows on stony slopes, sandy soils and arid areas at elevations around 3,500 - 4,000 metres. Near moist rocks, dry rocks and steep slopes, with a strong preference for sunny sites; at elevations from 2,500 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.35 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Coming from higher elevations in the Himalayas, Allium stracheyi should be able to tolerate cold winters - it will, however, require a very freely-draining soil and, in wetter areas of the temperate zone, will probably require the added protection of a bulb frame.[]
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. Used as a flavouring[].

Leaves - raw or cooked. Dried and used as a flavouring[, ].

Flowers - raw. Used as a flavouring[]

Medicinal

The leaf and bulb parts of this plant are used locally in the alleviation of inflammation and painful conditions[].
An ethanol extract of the plant has been shown to be an effective treatment for alleviating inflammation and the associated pain. It was seen to be as effective as aspirin and, when used in conjunction with aspirin, potentiated the action of the aspirin. This effect may be due to inhibition of the mediators of inflammation such as histamine, serotonin and prostaglandin[].

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. The plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season, pot up the divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing well and then plant them out into their permanent positions.