Garlic. Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium.
Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive,[1] and rakkyo.[2] With a history of human use of over 7,000 years, garlic is native to central Asia,[3] and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent seasoning in Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was known to Ancient Egyptians, and has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.[4] Description[edit] Garlic. Allium sativum Other Names Stinking Rose, Ajo, Poor Man's Treacle, StinkweedGarlic Granules Profile Garlic is similar to onion, except the bulb, rather than being one large bulb, is made of several cloves.
It has long slender leaves that emerge directly from the ground and a striking flower head. Garlic has been part of horticulture for at least 5000 years and was grown by the ancient Egyptians, Indians, Chinese and Babylonians.