LEEK

(species Allium porrum), hardy, vigorous, biennial plant of the lily family (Liliaceae). Related to the onion, it has a mild, sweet, onionlike flavour. The leek is widely used in European soups and stews, especially as a complement to potatoes, and it is cooked whole as a vegetable. The leek is native to eastern Mediterranean lands and the Middle East, where it was cultivated in ancient times. The Romans probably brought it to Europe and the British Isles. The vegetable became the national emblem of Wales following an ancient victory by an army of Welshmen who wore leeks as a distinguishing sign. In the plant's first season of growth, long linear leaves arise from a compressed stem or stem plate; the thick leaf bases overlap and are arranged concentrically in a nearly cylindrical bulb. The bulb is little if any larger at the base than at the neck. A tuft of fibrous, shallow roots grows from the base of the stem plate. In the second season, a tall solid stalk arises bearing leaves and a large globular umbel with many perfect flowers. The seeds are small, black, irregular, and angular.