Alliaceae
(Onion Family)
Habit
- herbs with
bulbs and
contractile roots that smell like onions (sulfur compounds)!
Leaves
-
alternate,
basal,
simple,
round or flat, usually with
sheathing bases; no
stipules
Inflorescence
-
determinate, looks like an
umbel
Flowers
- mostly
perfec,
regular; not
subtended by
bracts
Sepals
- 3,
distinct or
connate,
petaloid (6
tepals)
Petals
- 3,
distinct or
connate;
corona may be present
Stamens
- mostly 6,
filaments
distinct or
connate
Carpels
- 3,
connate throughout;
ovary mostly
superior with 3
locules and 1-many
axile
ovules/
locule
Fruit
- a
loculicidal
capsule
Diversity
- 19 genera/645 spp.
Distribution
- cosmopolitan but more species rich in semiarid habitats
Economics
- edible genera: Allium (onions, leeks, chives, garlic);
Notes
-
Images
-
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