Chives
Chives, scientific name Allium schoenoprasum, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae that produces edible leaves and flowers
Its English name, chives, derives from the French word cive, from cepa, the Latin word for onion
Their close relatives include the common onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, scallions and Chinese onions
Chives are a bulb-forming herbaceous perennial plant, growing to 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall
The bulbs are slender, conical, 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) long and 1 cm (1⁄2 in) broad, and grow in dense clusters from the roots
The flowers are pale purple, and star-shaped with six petals, 1–2 cm (1⁄2–3⁄4 in) wide
Chives are a commonly used herb and can be found in grocery stores or grown in home gardens
In culinary use, the green stalks (scapes) and the unopened, immature flower buds are diced and used as an ingredient for omelettes, fish, potatoes, soups, and many other dishes
The edible flowers can be used in salads
Chives have insect-repelling properties that can be used in gardens to control pests
The plant provides a great deal of nectar for pollinators
Chives are the only species of Allium native to both the New and the Old Worlds
It was mentioned in 80 A.D. by Marcus Valerius Martialis in his "Epigrams" - 'He who bears chives on his breath, Is safe from being kissed to death'
The Romans believed chives could relieve the pain from sunburn or a sore throat, increase blood pressure and act as a diuretic
Romani have used chives in fortune telling - Bunches of dried chives hung around a house were believed to ward off disease and evil
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