Leek - Allium porrum
Leek is an annual or sometimes perennial
plant which is most commonly eaten as a boiled vegetable. Its leaves are
linear and dilate at the bottom of the leaf sheaths which surround the
stem. The round stem grows from a slightly bulging bulb. This is topped by a
globular cluster of flowers which are white to light red in colour, and some
small bulbs grow among the blossoms. The flowers bloom during June and July.
Leek has much the same properties as garlic, but to a lesser
degree. It may also stimulate the appetite and help to relieve congestion in
the respiratory passages. Leek is a useful non-irritating diuretic. The
crushed leaves of this plant are used externally to ease the sting of insect
bites.