Edible: Leaves, Bulb, Seeds, Herb, Spice, Stem, Vegetable, Flowers
An onion family plant. It is an erect herb. It grows one year, then flowers the next. It grows about 40 cm high. This onion family plant has a number of tightly packed bulbs (cloves) wrapped in papery scale leaves. The true leaves of the plant are long, flat and solid. Leaves are 2.5 cm wide. The roots are side roots. The number of cloves per bulb varies from 16-50 depending on variety. Flowers are borne on a long stalk in a head where the flowers are on equal length stalks from one point forming a rounded head.
A temperate plant. It grows in the tropical highlands mostly between 1600 and 2200 m but will grow satisfactorily down to 500 m. In Nepal it grows to 3000 m altitude. There are kinds that will grow in hot coastal tropical places. Best bulb development occurs with temperatures up to 30°C. It is frost resistant. High humidity or high rainfall is not suitable. It is best grown in low rainfall areas with irrigation. Bulb development is favoured with long day lengths. It does best with pH 6-7. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. In Yunnan.
Common Names: Ahos, Ahus, Ail, Ajo, Akcha, Arishtha, Bawang bodas, Bawang putih, Bellulli, česen, Chyet-thon-phew, Da suan, Galik, Harsun kelok, Hela lunu, Hom-tiam, Kathiem, Katiam, Krathiam, Kratiem, Kthem, Kyetthun-byu, Lasan, Lashuna, Lasun, Maneul, Ma nl, Nin-niku, Ramuza, Rosun, Sarymsak, Suan, Sudu lunu, Suen tau, Tafornua, Tellagadda, Thom, Thoom bari, Toi, Tongologasy, Tongolonkova, Top-setting wild garlic, Ulli, Vellaipundu, Vellavengayam, Velluli
Synonyms:
Allium longicuspis Regel;
Allium pekinense Prokhanov;