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Allium wallichii facts for kids

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Allium wallichii
Allium wallichii GotBot 2015 004.jpg
Scientific classification
Genus:
Allium
Species:
wallichii
Synonyms
  • Allium bulleyanum Diels
  • Allium bulleyanum var. tchongchanense (H.Lév.) Airy Shaw
  • Allium caeruleum Wall.
  • Allium feddei H.Lév.
  • Allium liangshanense Z.Y.Zhu
  • Allium polyastrum Diels
  • Allium praelatitium H.Lév.
  • Allium tchongchanense H.Lév.
  • Allium violaceum Wall. ex Regel
  • Allium wallichianum Steud.
  • Allium wallichii var. albidum F.T. Wang & T. Tang
  • Nothoscordum mairei H.Lév.

Allium wallichii is a fascinating plant. It belongs to the onion family. This plant grows naturally in many parts of Asia. You can find it in countries like India, Nepal, and Bhutan. It also grows in Myanmar and several regions of China. These Chinese regions include Guangxi, Guizhou, and Yunnan.

This plant loves high places. It grows in mountains at very high elevations. You can find it between 2,300 and 4,800 meters above sea level. That's like growing on top of some really tall mountains!

What Allium wallichii Looks Like

Allium wallichii has some unique features. It has long roots that stretch out. It also has small, narrow bulbs that grow in groups. Think of them like tiny onions clustered together.

Stems and Leaves

The plant has tall stems called scapes. These can grow up to 110 centimeters tall. That's over a meter! The stems are shaped like a triangle when you cut them. Its leaves are flat and can be up to 20 millimeters wide. They are usually shorter than the tall stems.

Flowers

The flowers of Allium wallichii are very pretty. They come in many different colors. You can see white, pink, and red flowers. Some even have dark purple flowers. A few might look almost black!

Types of Allium wallichii

Scientists have identified two main types, or varieties, of Allium wallichii. These varieties are slightly different in how their leaves are shaped.

  • Allium wallichii var. wallichii: The leaves of this type do not get narrower at their base. They stay wide all the way down.
  • Allium wallichii var. platyphyllum: This type is found only in the Yunnan region of China. Its leaves also do not narrow at the base.
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