Allium macrostemon is a species of wild onion in the Allium genus, which includes onions and garlic. Native to East Asia, this plant is known by several common names. In China, it is called Jiaotou, while in Japan, it is known as Rakkyo. It is also referred to as the long-stamen onion or Chinese chive.
Botanical Description
The plant is characterized by its small, slender bulbs, which measure around 15 millimeters in diameter. These bulbs give rise to long, hollow, and cylindrical leaves that resemble common chives. The plant can reach a height of about 60 centimeters (two feet).
During its flowering season from June to July, the plant produces a flower cluster, known as an umbel, at the top of a stalk. The flowers are a pale purple or pinkish color. Its defining feature, from which it derives its scientific name, is the set of long stamens that protrude from the petals. The name “macrostemon” is Greek for “long stamen.”
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The plant’s natural range extends from near sea level to altitudes as high as 1600 meters. In its native regions of East Asia, it thrives in a variety of open, sunny environments.
It is found in meadows, on grassy slopes, and in fields. Its resilience allows it to flourish along roadsides and in arable land, often alongside cultivated crops.
Culinary and Traditional Uses
The bulbs of Allium macrostemon can be eaten raw or cooked. They have a crisp texture and a mild flavor described as a hybrid of onion and garlic. In Japan, the bulbs, known as Rakkyo, are pickled and served as a side dish or garnish. The plant is also a popular edible species in Korea and northeastern China, where it is consumed as a vegetable. The flowers can be used raw as a garnish on salads.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the plant is used for its astringent and diuretic properties to address various conditions. Practitioners have used it in treatments for chest pain, angina pectoris, bronchitis, and digestive issues like diarrhea. The health benefits are attributed to sulphur compounds, common to the Allium genus, which are believed to help reduce blood cholesterol and support the digestive and circulatory systems.