Common Name: Rakkyo

General Information

Allium chinense is an evergreen, perennial plant producing a cluster of leaves 15 - 35cm long and a flowering scape 20 - 40cm tall from an underground bulb. The plant divides, forming in time a clump of growth[].
A popular vegetable in east Asia, where it is widely cultivated for its edible bulb and leaves, and is often sold in local markets. It is found mainly in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of Japan, China and many other parts of eastern Asia[, , ].
Allium chinense is a widespread, extensively cultivated species with no known threats; although its exact distribution and ecology are not know due to such a long history of cultivation for Chinese cooking. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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 - southern China

Habitat

Often cultivated, plants can be found wild on the edges of fields[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bulb
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[]. Tolerates poor soils[].
Plants often die-back in hot, dry weather[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[].
Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes[, , ]. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, ]. The bulb has an excellent crisp texture with a strong onion flavour[], it can be 4 - 5cm in diameter, though it does not reach this size until the second or third year[]. It contains about 3.1% protein, 0.12% fat, 18.3% soluble carbohydrate, 0.7% ash[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[].

Flowers and young seedpods - raw[]. Used as a garnish on salads.

Medicinal

The whole plant is astringent, carminative and expectorant[]. It is used in the treatment of stuffiness sensation and pain in the chest, angina pectoris, pleurisy, bronchitis, diarrhoea and tenesmus in cases of dysentery[].

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[].

Other Uses

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

Propagation

Seed - sow in containers. 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 them out into their permanent positions once they are growing vigorously and are large enough.
Division is 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.

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: if i have 3 bananas, and i eat them all, how many bananas did i just eat?