Allium elmendorfii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Allium elmendorfii |
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Allium elmendorfii is a special kind of wild onion. It grows only in the state of Texas in the United States. You can find it in a few specific counties: Bexar, Frio, Wilson, and Atascosa Counties.
This wild onion likes to grow in sandy soil that drains water well. It often lives in open grassy areas within woodlands, especially where there are post oak trees. The plant grows in sands that formed a very long time ago.
Allium elmendorfii is a plant that comes back every year. It grows from a bulb, which is like the underground part of a regular onion. Around its roots, it has small mini-bulbs called bulbils. Unlike the onions we eat, its bulbs don't have dry, papery outer layers.
The plant produces a cluster of 10 to 30 flowers, shaped like an umbrella. Each flower has six petals, called tepals, that are white or light pink. These flowers are about 5 centimeters (2 inches) long. They usually bloom in the spring, from March to May.
Where This Wild Onion Grows
This unique wild onion is found only in Texas. It grows in several counties across the state. Some counties where it used to grow might not have it anymore.
Here are some of the counties where Allium elmendorfii has been found:
- Atascosa County
- Bexar County
- Frio County
- Jim Wells County
- Live Oak County
- Nueces County
- Refugio County
- San Patricio County
- Wilson County
How People Use It
Allium elmendorfii is related to the common onion that you might eat, Allium cepa. Because it's a type of onion, it has a similar smell. Like many plants in the onion family, this wild onion can also be eaten.
