Allium cyaneum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Allium cyaneum |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| A. cyaneum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Allium
|
| Species: |
cyaneum
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
Allium cyaneum, also known as dark blue garlic, is a special type of onion plant found in China. In Chinese, its name is "tian lan jiu," which means "sky blue chive." This plant loves to grow high up in the mountains, usually between 2,100 and 5,000 meters (about 6,900 to 16,400 feet) above sea level. You can find it on sunny slopes, in grassy meadows, and at the edges of forests.
It grows in several Chinese provinces like Gansu, Hubei, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Xizang (Tibet). It might even grow in Korea! Local people sometimes eat the leaves and stems of this plant. They dry them and use them as a spice to add flavor to their food.
Allium cyaneum is also recognized for its beauty and usefulness in gardens. The Royal Horticultural Society gave it their Award of Garden Merit. This award means it's a great plant for gardens. It's also considered a good plant to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
What Does Dark Blue Garlic Look Like?
Allium cyaneum has small, round bulbs that grow in groups. It spreads out using underground stems called rhizomes. This helps new plants grow nearby.
The leaves and the flower stems, called scapes, are usually 10 to 30 centimeters (about 4 to 12 inches) long. Sometimes, they can even reach up to 45 centimeters (about 18 inches). The whole plant typically grows to about 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) tall.
As its scientific name cyaneum and common name "dark blue garlic" suggest, its flowers are a beautiful blue color. This plant blooms and produces seeds from August to October.
See also
In Spanish: Allium cyaneum para niños
