The Alium

Though perhaps commonly known to be in the onion family, the word “alium” is actually Latin for garlic. There are many species of alium, including onions, shallots, leeks, chives, and yes… garlic.

What did this image teach me?

You see that flowering part on the top of the stalk? That shape (small flowers on stalks) can be found on many plant species, and is known as an umbel (from the Latin “umbella” meaning “parasol”).