Traditional utilization and management of wild Allium plants in inner Mongolia

Abstract

Background In Inner Mongolia, Allium plants are rich in variety and widely distributed. Concentrated and distributed in a contiguous manner, they play an important role in the ecology of grasslands and forests. In addition, Inner Mongolia Allium species have a high utilization value. The Mongolian people have accumulated rich traditional knowledge of the on the uses of Allium, including food, forage, medicine and culture. At present, unreasonable use of Allium resources has led to decline in population. Therefore, this study was conceived to understand the local people’s traditional utilization methods and management of Allium plants. Methods This research mainly uses literature research, key person interviews, semi-structured interviews, field surveys, data collection and catalog analysis. Results In this paper, 38 species of Allium plants distributed in Inner Mongolia were sorted out, and their Chinese names, scientific names, Mongolian names and parts used were catalogued. The Mongolian people in Inner Mongolia are rich in knowledge about the edible, medicinal, forage, and cultural utilization of Allium plants. Conclusion Mongolian people in Inner Mongolia have a variety of traditional uses for wild Allium plants. However, at present, these species gradually decreasing and related traditional knowledge is being lost. The article puts forward three related suggestions: (1) Pay attention to the conservation of wild Allium plants. (2) The traditional knowledge related to the use and ecology of Allium plants needs to be documented, preserved, and promoted. (3) To promote awareness on the importance of Mongolian culture.