noun
strong-smelling edible plant (archaic)
Archaic term for pungent allium plants such as Welsh onion, garlic, or wild rocambole. Not used in modern everyday Japanese; replaced by specific names like ネギ, ニンニク, etc.
古い文献では「蒜」という字がネギやニンニクのような強い香りの植物を指していた。
In old texts, the character 蒜 referred to strong-smelling plants like Welsh onion or garlic.
Modern standard word for Welsh onion; 蒜 is an archaic umbrella term.
Modern standard word for garlic; 蒜 is an archaic term that could include garlic.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the kanji 蒜 has been used historically for various allium species.