No-Binu

Allium macrostemon

Physical Characteristics

Allium macrostemon is a BULB growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Edible Uses: Bulb - raw or cooked[46, 61, 105, 177, 179]. The bulb is about 15mm in diameter[266]. Leaves - raw or cooked[105, 177, 179]. Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads[177].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Carminative Depurative Diuretic Dysentery Emmenagogue Nervine Tonic The plant is astringent, carminative and diuretic[176]. 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[176]. A decoction of the bulb is cooling and depurative[218]. The bulb and leaves, eaten as part of the diet, are emmenagogue, nervine and tonic[218]. 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[K].

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[76].