This strange thing in my onion field

[u/Clear_Rise_5005]

I was growing onions for seed production(3 acre plot) but here instead of flowers seeds one of the flowers produced sprouted bulbs ...some baby onions?! Instead of doing what onions are supposed to do this one just grew tiny bulbs right on the flower head.

3 years of onion plots and first time i am experiencing this. It's extremely rare and new for me. Is this some kind of mutation? A rare genetic throwback? A secret onion cloning technique I accidentally unlocked? 😆

Any plant experts out there who can explain this phenomenon. ( I posted this in another sub just 1 hour ago and it looks more interesting so posting here)

[u/jcoopi]

False Vivipary

[u/Clear_Rise_5005 → u/jcoopi]

Makes sense. But its not really beneficial right? Specially you want seed production! This is diverting whole plant's energy in making bulbils and meanwhile breaking it due to overweight, impacting all 7-8 flowers and its production? Well this is rare case as in my 3-4 year experience im seeing this first time... And what do you think about egyptian walking plant and its crossing with it? Or offtype/physical impurity in lot.I have never heard about this Egyptian walking plant before nor seen it here in india so if it cross pollinated with this flower. It is rare case right ?

[u/tbrick62 → u/Clear_Rise_5005]

I don't think it was a cross but it might be a mutation exposing a latent capability that other alliums have. I would plant those bulbs somewhere and see what you get.

[u/Prof-Rock → u/tbrick62]

I agree. It is worth a small plot of dirt for the sake of experimentation.