Definition
*Allium* is a genus of flowering plants that includes onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives. They are characterized by their pungent odor and flavor, due to sulfur compounds. Unlike some other plant genera, it is almost entirely cultivated. It has culinary and medicinal uses across various cultures. The genus is the base for the name for the family *Alliaceae*. The plants are found globally.