Chinese Scallion🌺

A perennial in the amaryllis family (formerly Liliaceae), native to China and introduced to Japan in the Heian period. The pickled bulbs ('rakkyō-zuke', in salt or sweet vinegar) are a classic condiment, indispensable alongside curry rice. In autumn, purple flowers open in umbels, and the plant is sometimes grown ornamentally. The pungent sulphur compounds are similar to those of onion and garlic. Used medicinally as 'gaihaku'. The Tottori Sand Dunes are a famous production area.

Identification Points

• ✓Hollow linear leaves with triangular cross-section
• ✓Elongated bulbs with a strong onion-like smell
• ✓Purple flowers in umbels in autumn

Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification

Phylogenetic Positionヒガンバナ科 →