Garlic Chives & Star of Persia – two alliums

I realized that I’ve photographed two members of the allium genus that really show off the characteristics of these members of the Amaryllis family. Commonly know as the onion genus, alliums include garlic, onions, chives, scallions and leeks – which all play a key role in flavoring cooking.

Alliums are perennials growing from bulbs – they tend to have one leafless stalk with a single flower forming an umbel (umbrella shape) at the top. Most alliums are native to the Northern Hemisphere.

The two alliums I’ve photographed are Garlic Chives (allium tuberosum) and Stars of Persia (allium christophii).

Garlic Chives (allium tuberosum) probably originated in China. It has since spread across Europe and parts of the United States where in some places it is considered invasive.

Stars of Persia (alllium christophii) is also native to Southeast Asia. It is known for its globes of showy pink/purple flowers on the umbel.

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing my photos of these wonderful alliums. Do you have a favorite allium growing in your garden?