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Uses

Toxic parts

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[1].

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves - raw or cooked[2][3][4][5][6]. A mild flavour, somewhat like a cross between garlic and chives[K], they are delicious in salads[7]. The flavour is destroyed by lengthy cooking[8]. The leaves are available from early spring until late in the autumn[K]. They contain about 2.6% protein, 0.6% fat, 2.4% carbohydrate, 0.95% ash. They also contain small amounts of vitamins A, B1 and C[9]. The rather small bulbs are about 10mm in diameter and are produced in clusters on a short rhizome[10].

Flowers and flower buds - raw or cooked[5][6][7]. A delicious flavouring and pretty garnish for the autumn salad bowl[K]. Root - raw or cooked.

An edible oil is obtained from the seed[7].

Flowers

Leaves

Unknown part

Oil

Material uses

The juice of the plant is used as a moth repellent. The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles[11].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The whole plant is antibacterial, cardiac, depurative, digestive, stimulant, stomachic and tonic[12][13][14]. It is an anti-emetic herb that improves kidney function[8]. It is used internally to treat urinary incontinence, kidney and bladder weaknesses etc[8].

The seed is carminative and stomachic[14]. They are used in India in the treatment of spermatorrhoea[15].

The leaves and the bulbs are applied to bites, cuts and wounds[14].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seed has a fairly short viability and should not be used when more than 1 year old[16]. 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. Plant out in late summer if the plants have developed sufficiently, otherwise plant them out the following spring. Division in early spring. Very easy, the plants divide successfully at almost any time of the year. The divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Allium tuberosum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

An easily grown plant[17], it prefers a sunny position in a rich moist but well-drained soil[2][6]. Tolerates most soils[5][6], including clay[17][16]. Tolerant of dry soils, established plants also resist drought[18]. Tolerates some shade, even in N.W. England[17]. The roots penetrate up to 50cm into the soil[16]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.2 to 8.3.

This plant succeeds in temperate and tropical climates[19]. It appears to be fully hardy in Britain[19]. Plants tolerate 40 degrees of frost in Manchuria (the report does not say if this is fahrenheit or centigrade)[16]. Plants remain green until temperatures fall below 4 - 5°c, they come into new growth in spring when temperatures go above 2 - 3°c[16]. Often cultivated for its edible leaves and bulb in the Orient, there are many named varieties[19][7]. There are two main types of cultivar, one is grown for its leaves and the other for its flowering stem[10][16].This species is being increasingly grown as a garden vegetable in Britain[K]. A very ornamental plant, it grows well as an edging plant in the flower garden[K]. Closely related to A. ramosum[17]. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[2]. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes[20][11][21]. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other[22].

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[23].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Allium tuberosum. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Allium tuberosum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Allium tuberosum
Genus
Allium
Family
Alliaceae
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
7
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
?
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type

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References

  1. ? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.12.22.3 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.1 Bryan. J. and Castle. C. Edible Ornamental Garden. Pitman Publishing ISBN 0-273-00098-5 (1976-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.25.3 Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn (1980-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.4 RHS. The Garden. Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society (1987-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.4 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.4 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  9. ? 9.09.1 Reid. B. E. Famine Foods of the Chiu-Huang Pen-ts'ao. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre (1977-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.110.210.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.111.2 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
  12. ? 12.012.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.1 Kariyone. T. Atlas of Medicinal Plants. ()
  14. ? 14.014.114.214.3 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
  15. ? 15.015.1 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
  16. ? 16.016.116.216.316.416.5 Larkcom J. Oriental Vegetables John Murray ISBN 0-7195-4781-4 (1991-00-00)
  17. ? 17.017.117.217.3 Davies. D. Alliums. The Ornamental Onions. Batsford ISBN 0-7134-7030-5 (1992-00-00)
  18. ? Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent ISBN 0460045512 (1982-00-00)
  19. ? 19.019.119.2 Phillips. R. and Rix. M. Bulbs Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30253-1 (1989-00-00)
  20. ? Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
  21. ? Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd ISBN 0-584-10141-4 (1977-00-00)
  22. ? Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993-00-00)
  23. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)

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