Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum, Syst. veg. 2:38. 1825)

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Author: Rottl. ex Spreng.

Bibliography: Syst. veg. 2:38. 1825

Year: 1825

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Allium

Vegetable: True

Observations: Himalaya to China (SW. Shanxi)

Description

Chinese chives, known scientifically as Allium tuberosum, are a distinctive and versatile plant within the Amaryllidaceae family. With origins tracing back to the Himalayas and extending to China’s southwest region of Shanxi, Chinese chives have been cherished for centuries both for their culinary uses and their ornamental charm.

First documented in the Syst. veg. 2:38 in 1825 by Rottler and later referenced by Sprengel, these hardy perennials are characterized by their flat, grass-like leaves and a subtle garlicky flavor. Unlike common chives that belong to a different Allium species, Chinese chives produce delicate white blossoms that serve as an attractive addition to gardens and floral arrangements.

Cultivated largely in Asia for their robust taste, Chinese chives are commonly utilized in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to dumplings, adding a mild, aromatic burst of garlic. Beyond the kitchen, these chives play a role in traditional medicine, praised for their potential health benefits, including digestive aid and anti-inflammatory properties.

In the context of gardening, Allium tuberosum is appreciated for its resilience and ease of care. Preferring well-drained soil and full sunlight, these plants can thrive in various conditions, making them a popular choice for home gardens. The blossoms not only beautify spaces but also attract pollinators, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.

In summary, Chinese chives are a multi-faceted plant that encapsulates the essence of both ornamental beauty and culinary finesse. Their historical significance and practical benefits continue to make them a treasured asset across cultures and regions.

Common Names

Eng: chinese chives, chinese leek, garlic chives, oriental garlic
Dan: kina-løg
Deu: schnittknoblauch, chinesischer schnittlauch
Fra: ciboulette chinoise, ail chinois
Spa: cive chino
Por: nirá
Swe: kinesisk gräslök
En: Chinese chives, Oriental garlic, Garlic chives, Chinese leek, Jiu
Af: Look
Ar: إليوم توبروسيوم
Bn: চিভ
Ca: Cibulet de la Xina
Zh: Jiu, 韭, 韭菜
Cs: Česnek hlíznatý
Da: Kina-løg
Nl: Chinese bieslook
Eo: Ĉina ajlo
Fi: Kiinansipuli
Fr: Ciboulette chinoise, Ciboule de Chine, Ail chinois
De: Chinesischer Schnittlauch, Schnittknoblauch
Id: Kucai
Ja: Nira
Jv: Kucai
Ko: Bu Pu, 부추
Mk: Кинески власец
Ms: Kucai
Pt: Nirá
Ru: Лук ветвистый
Es: Cive chino
Su: Kucay
Sv: Kinesisk gräslök
Tl: Kutsay
Zh-tw: 韭菜
Th: กุยช่าย
Ug: كۈدە
Ur: ثوم دَرَنیہ
Vi: Hẹ
Za: Byaekgep
: Rakkyo

Synonyms

• Allium argyi (H.Lév.)
• Allium sulvia (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don)
• Allium clarkei (Hook.f.)
• Allium tuberosum f. yezoense ((Nakai) M.Hiroe)
• Nothoscordum sulvia ((Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Kunth)
• Allium yesoense (Nakai)
• Allium tricoccum (Blanco)
• Allium roxburghii (Kunth)
• Allium chinense (Maxim.)
• Allium angulosum (Lour.)
• Allium uliginosum (G.Don)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• Nepal (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Belarus (introduced)
• Cambodia (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Nauru (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Seychelles (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Tibet (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Oct 12, 2022 by Mario Socciarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Jim417 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by maya pie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Emeline (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2022 by Dave Ketteringham (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Cris rj (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2020 by Aurélie Dubuc (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by tonya watson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2020 by Louise San Diego (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Michelle Cooper (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2020 by Nyunyshkin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 3, 2014 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Patrick Kuss (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 3, 2014 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Patrick Kuss (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 3, 2014 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Patrick Kuss (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 24, 2021 by A S PATRON JULIANA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2021 by Schmidt Fernando da Luz (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 29, 2020 by Nyunyshkin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Sep 3, 2014 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Patrick Kuss (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Oct 23, 2019 by Jesse (Jesse Bee) (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 12, 2020 by marquez marcos (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:529062-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2856297)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng.)

Specifications

Growth