Allium atrosanguineum facts for kids

Allium atrosanguineum is a special kind of wild onion that grows high up in the mountains of Asia. You can find it in places like China, Siberia, Mongolia, and Central Asia. This tough plant loves to live in very high places, sometimes even higher than 2,400 meters (about 8,000 feet) above sea level, and can go all the way up to 5,400 meters (nearly 18,000 feet)!

Discovering the Mountain Onion

This unique onion is known for its ability to thrive in cold, rocky mountain environments. It's a fascinating example of how plants adapt to extreme conditions.

What Does This Onion Look Like?

Allium atrosanguineum has some interesting features:

• Bulbs: It grows small, round bulbs that are usually about 10 millimeters (less than half an inch) wide. These bulbs are like tiny storage containers for the plant.
• Stems (Scapes): The plant sends up tall, round stems called scapes. These can grow up to 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall.
• Leaves: Its leaves are also round and usually shorter than the main stems.
• Flowers: The flowers grow in a cluster at the top of the stem, forming a shape that looks like a perfect ball from a distance. This cluster is called an umbel. There are many small flowers in each umbel.
• Flower Colors: The flowers can be many different colors! You might see them in shades of pink, yellow, copper, brass, or even purple. Sometimes, they even have tiny dark spots, which makes them extra unique.

Different Kinds of Mountain Onion

Scientists have found that there are three main types, or varieties, of Allium atrosanguineum. These varieties often have slightly different flower colors and grow in specific parts of Asia:

• The Purple-Red Variety: This type is called Allium atrosanguineum var. atrosanguineum. Its flowers are usually purple-red and might have small spots. You can find this variety in western China (like Qinghai, Sichuan, and Xinjiang), Central Asia (including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan), Pakistan, Siberia, and Mongolia.

• The Pale Yellow or Pink Variety: This one is known as Allium atrosanguineum var. fedschenkoanum. Its flowers are a lighter color, either pale yellow or pink. It grows in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan), Pakistan, Tibet, and Xinjiang.

• The Copper or Brass Variety: The third type is Allium atrosanguineum var. tibeticum. Its flowers have beautiful copper or brass colors. This variety is found in western China, specifically in Tibet, Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan.