Skip Navigation. Onions and Other Pungent Lilies The bulbous onion and its numerous relatives belong to the Lily family. Some of these alliums are distinctly ornamental; a few others, notably garlic, leek, Welsh onion, and chive, are common vegetables.All of the edible forms have related flavors and odors that are due principally to a volatile, irritating substance.kip Navigation. Onions and Other Pungent Lilies The bulbous onion and its numerous relatives belong to the Lily family. Some of these alliums are distinctly ornamental; a few others, notably garlic, leek, Welsh onion, and chive, are common vegetables.