Allium bidentatum facts for kids

Allium bidentatum is a type of wild onion found in Asia. It's sometimes called the "sand leek" because it can grow in sandy or salty soils. This plant belongs to the same family as regular onions and garlic, the Amaryllis family.

Discovering the Sand Leek

Allium bidentatum is a fascinating plant. It is a member of the Allium genus, which includes many well-known plants like onions, garlic, and chives. This specific species is known for its ability to grow in tough environments.

Where Does This Onion Grow?

This interesting plant is native to many parts of Asia. You can find it growing wild in Mongolia and Kazakhstan. It also grows in different regions of Russia, including Buryatiya and Primorye. In China, it is found in northern areas like Hebei, Heilongjiang, and Inner Mongolia. It prefers places that get a lot of sunlight. Sometimes, it even grows in soil that is a bit salty.

What Does It Look Like?

Allium bidentatum has some unique features.

• Bulbs: It grows very narrow, tube-shaped bulbs. These bulbs are usually only about 4 millimeters wide.
• Stem: The plant has a round stem, called a scape, that can grow up to 30 centimeters tall.
• Leaves: Its leaves are also somewhat round in shape. They can grow up to 15 centimeters long.
• Flowers: The flowers grow in a cluster called an umbel. This cluster looks like half a sphere. The flowers themselves are usually red or a reddish-violet color.

Different Types of Sand Leek

Scientists have identified two main varieties of Allium bidentatum.

• Allium bidentatum var. bidentatum: This is the most common type. It is found across most of the plant's natural range.
• Allium bidentatum var. qinggouense: This variety is found specifically in Inner Mongolia, China.