Onion family
Description
A family of 30 genera which used to be incorporated in the Family Liliaceae and later in the Family Amaryllidaceae, but now generally is considered as a distinct monocotyledonous family (Alliaceae 1). It is a family of bulbous herbs found in the north temperate zone, all of which contain a pungent odour.
The leaves are undivided, parallel-veined, arising from the base of a short underground stem. The flowers are born in umbels enclosed at first in a large bract that later splits. The perianth consists of 6 free segments, with 6 stamens and a superior trilocular ovary. The fruit is a capsule. Bulbils often partly replace the flowers.
Use
Many species of the Genus Allium are cultivated as vegetables and seasoning.
Described species
Allium cepa, onions
Allium ascalonicum, shallots, see Allium cepa,
Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum, leek
Allium sativum, garlic
Allium schoenoprasum, chives
Allium tuberosum, Chinese chives, see Allium schoenoprasum
Allium chinense, rakkyo see, Allium schoenoprasum
Allium fistulosum, Japanese bunching or Welsch onion, see Allium schoenoprasum