How to identify Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic, also known as Common garlic, Churl's treacle
Garlic displays a distinctive morphology, where its bulbs are segmented into individual cloves. Each clove is encapsulated within a delicate, papery sheath, with the whole bulb generally adopting a layered spherical form. The cloves, when clustered, provide a compact and sturdy structure, which typically measures around 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in diameter. These features are critical for the identification of garlic, offering a recognizable silhouette and feel, especially when distinguishing it from close relatives within the same botanical family.
Lifespan: Perennial, Annual
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Segmented bulbs with cloves enclosed in papery sheaths, forming a spherical structure (2-4 inches / 5-10 cm).
Umbel inflorescence with small white or pinkish flowers protected by a membranous spathe (2-4 inches / 5-10 cm).
Linear-lanceolate leaves with parallel venation, bright green color, measuring 1 inch wide and 8-16 inches long.
Short, flattened stem forming a disk at the base, surrounded by a pseudostem from overlapping leaf bases.
Capsule fruit perched atop flowering stalk, changing texture and color at maturity, splitting open when ripe.
The leaves of garlic are long, thin, and grass-like, with a brighter green hue compared to other alliums. They are broadly linear-lanceolate and scattered along the pseudostem. Each leaf blade is linear oblong, measuring approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) long, with an acute apex. The surface is smooth with a slight sheen, and the venation is parallel, providing a structured yet flexible texture.
Garlic features a sub-spherical inflorescence called an umbel, consisting of numerous bulblets and a few flowers. The flowers are small, with delicate petals that are typically white or pinkish. These blooms are protected by a papery, membranous spathe that eventually splits open as the flowers mature. The size of the inflorescence can range between 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter. Notably, the flowers exhibit a mild fragrance and usually bloom in late spring to early summer.
The stem of garlic is characterized by its very short, flattened structure that forms a disk at the base of the bulb. It is surrounded by a pseudostem, which is formed by the sheathing bases of overlapping leaves, giving it a sturdy appearance. The true stem is mostly hidden, and the pseudostem typically appears green and robust, with a smooth texture. The overall thickness varies but generally measures between 0.4 to 1 inch (1 to 2.5 cm) in diameter.
The fruit of garlic is a capsule that is perched atop the plant's flowering stalk. This botanical structure possesses a texture and coloration that may transition as it matures. When the capsule reaches full ripeness, it naturally splits open. The size and characteristics of the capsule go in line with garlic's propagation adaptations. It is noteworthy that these features are consistent with the botanical fruit definitions, even though they may not conform to common culinary expectations.
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Scientific Classification of Garlic
