Plant of the day
Allium cepa
OnionHerb
The onion, also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is a vegetable that is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. The shallot is a botanical variety of the onion which was classified as a separate species until 2011. The onion's close relatives include garlic, scallion, leek, and chives.
FamilyAmaryllidaceae
GenusAllium
NativeAsia
LifespanBiennial (commonly grown as annual)
History & Culture
History, cultural references, and traditional context for Allium cepa.
Historical Background
The onion, also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is a vegetable that is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. The shallot is a botanical variety of the onion which was classified as a separate species until 2011. The onion's close relatives include garlic, scallion, leek, and chives.
Cultural Significance
Timeline: Journey Through Time
Onion has cultural context that is still being expanded.