On spring onion terminology

Spring onion terminology is quite complicated and can be confusing partly because different words are used in different ways. Scallion for example, can be used for the green part of the spring onion, or for the whole plants.  Below is a mini-dictionary of the various terms as I come across them.

Allium cepa  The scientific name for large kitchen onions.  Some non-bulbing spring onions are also classified by some authorities as A. cepa.

Allium fistulosum  The scientific name for the welsh or bunching onion (q.v.).  I spell 'welsh' with a small w because the word means 'foreign' and not 'from Wales'. 'fistulosum' is Latin for hollow (with reference to the stems). I have some seeds from Premier Seeds Direct (2022) labelled Welsh Onion.

Another variety of A. fistulosum of which I bought some seeds in 2022 is the French Heirloom Heritage Scallion.  This is its shortened name, the full version is 'Unusual Rare French Heirloom Heritage Scallion Evergreen White Bunching Spring Onion' which must be the longest vegetable name in the world.  The seeds came from J & L Gourmet Vegetable Seed in Le Moulin de St Vincent, in France: http:jandlseeds.com 

I have planted four pot grown groups in the corners of one of my one metre planters (12th June 2022)

Bunching onion.  A name usually used for A. fistulosum (q.v.)

Shimonita onion, Japanese spring onion, negi.  This is a large variety of Allium fistulosum popular in Japan where it is often split lengthwise and grilled or roasted.  I have a packet of seed from Unwins. It can be sown in spring for summer and autumn spring onions or in autumn so it will overwinter and reach its full size the following year by which time each plant should have grown as big as a small leek.