San Bernardino Mountain onion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Bernardino Mountain onion |
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The San Bernardino Mountain onion (Allium monticola) is a special kind of wild onion. It is quite rare and only found in southern California. This plant grows in the Transverse Ranges and the northern parts of the Peninsular Ranges. You can find it in counties like San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, and Santa Barbara.
About the San Bernardino Mountain Onion
This unique onion is known for growing in specific rocky areas. It thrives at high elevations, usually between 1,400 and 3,200 meters (about 4,600 to 10,500 feet) above sea level.
What It Looks Like
The San Bernardino Mountain onion grows from a small bulb. This bulb is usually one or two centimeters long. Often, smaller "daughter" bulbs grow attached to the main bulb by little stalks.
The plant's stem is waxy and can grow up to 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) tall. It has only one leaf, which can be a bit longer than the stem.
The Flowers
At the top of the stem, you'll find a cluster of flowers. This cluster, called an inflorescence, can have up to 25 individual flowers. Each flower has petals, called tepals, that are almost two centimeters long. They are usually white or light pink, with darker pink tips. The pollen and the parts that hold it, called anthers, are yellow.
