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'''Tree onions''', ''Allium ×proliferum'', are similar to [[Onion|common onions]], but with a cluster of bulblets where a normal onion would have flowers. Research has shown that they are a hybrid of the [[Onion|common onion]] (''A. cepa'') and the [[Welsh onion]] (''A. fistulosum'').<ref>{{cite journal |author=Friesen, N. & M. Klaas |year=1998 |title=Origin of some vegetatively propagated ''Allium'' crops studied with RAPD and GISH. |journal=Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution |volume=45 |issue=6 | pages=511-523 |url=http://www.springerlink.com/content/t3520923j4311143/ |doi=10.1023/A:1008647700251 }}</ref> However, some sources may treat the tree onion as ''A. cepa'' var. ''proliferum'' or ''A. cepa'' Proliferum Group.
'''Tree onions''' are a strong-growing [[onion]] with a bunch of bulblets where a normal onion would have flowers.
Their species name is "proliferum", although they have many characteristics of the ''[[Allium cepa]]'', and are also commonly called '''Top Onions''', '''Topset Onions''', '''Walking Onions''', or '''Egyptian onions'''. ''Tree Onion'' bulblets will sprout and grow while still on the original stalk, which may bend down under the weight of the new growth, giving rise to the name, '''walking onion'''. Recent research has shown that the tree onion may be a cross between ''Allium cepa'', the cultivated [[onion]], and ''Allium fistulosum'', the [[Welsh onion]] (Some sites may currently treat the Tree Onion as ''Allium cepa'' Proliferum Group).
They are also commonly called '''Top Onions''', '''Topset Onions''', '''Walking Onions''', or '''Egyptian onions'''. ''Tree Onion'' bulblets will sprout and grow while still on the original stalk, which may bend down under the weight of the new growth, giving rise to the name, '''walking onion'''.
This phenomenon of forming bulblets instead of flowers is also seen in [[garlic]] and other various wild species of ''[[Allium]]''. Bulblets in tree onions are generally very small, usually within .5&nbsp;cm to 3&nbsp;cm in diameter, although sizes may differ out of this range, from time to time. A similar relative to the tree onion is the [[pearl onion]] and a few other, nameable varieties.
This phenomenon of forming bulblets instead of flowers is also seen in [[garlic]] and other various wild species of ''[[Allium]]''. Bulblets in tree onions are generally very small, usually within .5&nbsp;cm to 3&nbsp;cm in diameter, although sizes may differ out of this range, from time to time. A similar relative to the tree onion is the [[pearl onion]] and a few other, nameable varieties.


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Image:Egyptian Tree Onion, Walking Onion, Topset Onion (Allium cepa var. proliferum).jpg|Growing wild along a fence
Image:Egyptian Tree Onion, Walking Onion, Topset Onion (Allium cepa var. proliferum).jpg|Growing wild along a fence
</gallery>
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Allium}}
{{Allium}}


Revision as of 08:50, 16 February 2011

Egyptian Walking Onion
Onion stalks with bulblets, or miniature onions grown at the top of the stalk.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Monocots
Order:
Asparagales
Family:
Alliaceae
Genus:
Allium
Species:
A. ×proliferum
Binomial name
Allium ×proliferum

Tree onions, Allium ×proliferum, are similar to common onions, but with a cluster of bulblets where a normal onion would have flowers. Research has shown that they are a hybrid of the common onion (A. cepa) and the Welsh onion (A. fistulosum).[1] However, some sources may treat the tree onion as A. cepa var. proliferum or A. cepa Proliferum Group. They are also commonly called Top Onions, Topset Onions, Walking Onions, or Egyptian onions. Tree Onion bulblets will sprout and grow while still on the original stalk, which may bend down under the weight of the new growth, giving rise to the name, walking onion. This phenomenon of forming bulblets instead of flowers is also seen in garlic and other various wild species of Allium. Bulblets in tree onions are generally very small, usually within .5 cm to 3 cm in diameter, although sizes may differ out of this range, from time to time. A similar relative to the tree onion is the pearl onion and a few other, nameable varieties.

Egyptian onion stems and bulbs are very spicy "hot" and need to be used very sparingly in any cooking[citation needed]. Mixed with jalepeno pepper and tablespoon of liquid dish soap and some water, the result is an excellent plant spray which is very effective in repelling aphids, cucumber beetles, squash bugs and similar pests[citation needed].

Gallery

  • Egyptian onions
    Egyptian onions
  • Tree onion 9 april 2007
    Tree onion 9 april 2007
  • Growing wild along a fence
    Growing wild along a fence

References

  1. ^ Friesen, N. & M. Klaas (1998). "Origin of some vegetatively propagated Allium crops studied with RAPD and GISH". Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 45 (6): 511–523. doi:10.1023/A:1008647700251.
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