Himalayan onion
Allium rubellum

Family: Amaryllidaceae

What it is like

An onion family herb. It grows 60 cm tall. The bulb is egg shaped and 1-2 cm across. The leaves are narrow and flat. The flowers are reddish pink.

There are about 300-700 Allium species. Most species of Allium are edible (Flora of China). All alliums are edible but they may not all be worth eating! They have also been put in the family Alliaceae.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in semi-arid deserts. It is best in well-drained soils. It must grow in the sun.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Europe, Himalayas, India, Iran, Middle East, Russia, Siberia

How it is used for food

The bulbs are eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are dried and preserved as a condiment.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, root, bulb

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Alomana, Barani-piaz, Gadwassal, Jangli piaz, Pharna

Synonyms

Allium albanum Grossh.; Allium vulcanicum Boiss.; and others