Allium cepa
Allium cepa L. |
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Alliaceae | |||||
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Divisio: Magnoliophyta Subdivisio: Magnoliophytina Classis: Liliopsida Subclassis: Liliidae Superordo: Lilianae Ordo: Amaryllidales |
Allium cepa belongs to the group of bulbous and tuberous plants.
Contents
Naming
Allium cepa was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The name is considered as validly published.
Taxonomy
Allium cepa is a species in the genus Allium which contains approximately 943 to 1011 species and belongs to the family of the Alliaceae (Garlic Family). The type species of the genus is Allium sativum.
Characteristics
Growth
The plants are comparatively long-lived and reach heights of 30 to 100 centimetres. The plants reach a width of 10 to 30 centimetres.
Leaves
Allium cepa is deciduous. The simple leaves are basal. They are linear with entire margins and parallel venation. The surface of the leaves is glabrous.
Flowers and Fruits
Allium cepa produces umbels of white campanulate flowers from June to August. The plants are hermaphroditic.
The plants produce loculicidal capsules.
Root System
Distribution
Allium cepa is native to : garden origin.
Cultivation
The plants prefer a sunny situation on dry to moderately moist soil. The substrate should be sandy-loamy, gritty-loamy or sandy clay soil. They tolerate temperatures down to -29°C (USDA zone 5).
Tolerance of special soil conditions
- high: city climate
Uses
Suited as bee pasture.
Maintenance and Propagation
The plants usually require only a moderate amount of maintenance.
Cultivars
Pests and Diseases
Literature
- Walter Erhardt, Erich Götz, Nils Bödeker, Siegmund Seybold: Der große Zander. Eugen Ulmer KG, Stuttgart 2008, ISBN 978-3-8001-5406-7. (Ger.)
- Christoper Brickell (Editor-in-chief): RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Third edition. Dorling Kindersley, London 2003, ISBN 0-7513-3738-2.
Non-commercial Links
- Allium cepa at the United States Department of Agriculture
- Allium cepa in the Flora of Chinaes:Allium cepa