Small Alpine Onion facts for kids
Allium humile is a special kind of wild onion that grows in the mountains of Asia. It's often called the Small Alpine Onion. You can find it in very high places, usually between 4,000 and 4,500 meters (about 13,000 to 14,700 feet) above sea level! That's higher than many tall mountains!
This unique plant grows in countries like India (in areas such as Jammu-Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh), Nepal, northern Pakistan, Tibet, and Yunnan in China.
Quick facts for kids Small Alpine Onion雪韭 xue jiu |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Allium
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| Species: |
humile
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| Synonyms | |
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Contents
Discover the Small Alpine Onion
The Small Alpine Onion is a fascinating plant. It's part of the Allium family, which includes many onions, garlic, and chives we use every day. This wild version is adapted to live in harsh mountain environments.
What Does It Look Like?
Allium humile has some interesting features that help it survive in its high-altitude home.
Its Underground Parts
This plant grows narrow, tube-shaped bulbs underground. These bulbs help the plant store food and water. They are important for its survival in places where conditions can be tough.
Its Stems and Leaves
The main stem of the plant is called a scape. It can grow up to 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) tall. The scape is slightly flattened. Its leaves are flat and fleshy, almost like thick ribbons. They are about 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) wide.
Its Flowers
At the top of the scape, you'll find a cluster of many flowers. This cluster is shaped like half a sphere and is called an Umbel. The flowers are white. They have yellowish-green lines running down the middle of their petals, which are called Tepals.
Where Does It Grow?
The Small Alpine Onion thrives in very cold and rocky environments. Its ability to grow at such high elevations makes it special. These areas often have thin air and strong winds. The plant's small size and strong root system help it stay put.
Its natural habitat stretches across a wide part of Asia. This includes the mighty Himalayan mountain range. The plant is a great example of how life adapts to extreme conditions.
