234 BOTANY OF CROP PLANTS 



species, is the fleshy bases of leaves. In some species, as 

 leek and shallot, the leaves are used as a seasoning in food. 

 The leaves may be either flat or cylindrical (terete) , and are 

 sometimes hollow. Onions have been known to bear buds 

 (epiphyllous buds) on their leaves. 



Inflorescence (Fig. 91). — The numerous flowers are in 

 simple, terminal umbels. The umbel is subtended by a 



Fig. 91. — Umbel of onion (Allium cepa). 



spathe, consisting of two (rarely three) papery bracts. The 

 spathe encloses the entire umbel in the bud. The pedicels 

 are long and slender. 



Flower. — The flowers (Fig. 87) are regular and perfect., 

 The perianth consists of six distinct segments which are very 

 similar as to size, shape and color. The six stamens are 

 inserted on the bases of the perianth segments. Alternate 



