COMMON NAMES: Garlic Chives, Chinese Chives, Kau Tsoi
BOTANICAL NAME: Allium tuberosum syn. A. odoratuml
FAMILY: Alliaceae
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Perennial herb forming dense clumps with grass-like flat leaves rarely taller than 25cm. Each bulb has 4 to 5 leaves. The leaves have a mild garlic flavour, are flat and about 0.5cm wide. The blossom is a flat-headed spray of star-shaped white flowers with a pleasant perfume. Chinese chives are easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions.
USES
Food; the leaves are used chopped in sauces, soups, salads and as a garnish. Add the chives only in the last few minutes of cooking, as they have a tendency to become stringy if overcooked. The flower buds are also used as a garnish or in Asian cooking.
Ornamental; decorative edging plant for herb and vegetable gardens.
Companion plant; garlic chives are believed to be a companion plant for roses and have a repellent effect on aphids.
