Tag: Amaryllidaceae

Many people are surprised to learn that the popular culinary ingredient garlic belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, which is also known as the amaryllis family. This perennial plant is famous for its pungent flavor and strong aroma, but **which family does garlic belong to** and what are its close relatives? This article delves into the botanical history and modern classification of garlic and its family members.

According to botanical classification, the common onion, *Allium cepa*, is the most widely cultivated species within the *Allium* genus. This fact directly addresses the common question, "Is Allium cepa the same as garlic?", by establishing the onion's distinct identity within the broader plant family. While they are close relatives, they are entirely different species, a point of clarity that is crucial for both cooks and gardeners.

The genus Allium is one of the largest in the Amaryllidaceae family, comprising nearly 1000 species. Characterized by their distinct odor and bulbous structure, alliums encompass a wide range of familiar culinary vegetables like onions and garlic, as well as many popular ornamental flowering plants.