Essay on Leeks- Botany

Leeks, which are very predominant in Europe, have an exemplary history. Leeks date back to 4000 B.C., the Bronze Age, where many different inhabitants used to eat this vegetable for health purposes. Hippocrates, founder of the Hippocratic Oath, use to prescribe leeks as a cure for nosebleeds. As time progressed, armies and rulers spread the word about the wonders of the leeks. Emperor Nero ate leeks because he thought it was beneficial for his throat …

…are similar to three other types of vegetables such as elephant garlic, kurrat (Egyptian leek) and the wild leek. After about two years of growing the leek bears a large flowering scape. It can reach up to three feet in length and contains a breathtaking inflorescence (paniculate, racemose, umbellate or solitary). The flower of the leek has three sepals, three petals, six stamens, and three carpels. The leaves tend to be alternate, whorled or simple.