Ethiopian onion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ethiopian onion |
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The Ethiopian onion (Allium spathaceum) is a special type of plant. It is related to the onions and leeks we eat. This plant is native to certain parts of Africa. It grows naturally only in these specific areas.
About the Ethiopian Onion
The Ethiopian onion is one of about 900 different kinds of onions found worldwide. It is unique because it grows only in a few countries in Africa. This makes it an "endemic" species.
What Does It Look Like?
The Ethiopian onion is a perennial plant. This means it lives for many years. It grows from a bulb, just like a regular onion. The plant can reach about 40 centimeters (16 inches) tall.
It smells a lot like onions or leeks. Its leaves are very narrow and long. They also have small hairs along their edges.
Its Flowers
The flowers of the Ethiopian onion grow in a special cluster. This cluster is shaped like an umbrella. It is called an umbel. Each flower has a long stem, known as a pedicel. The petals of the flower are called tepals. They are white with reddish lines down the middle.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant is found only in Northeast Africa. Its native home includes several countries. These are Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan. It is one of the few onion species that are unique to this region.
