Scilla

Scilla is a genus of about 50 to 80 bulb-forming perennial herbs in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae, native to woodlands, subalpine meadows, and seashores throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle-East. A few species are also naturalized in Australia, New Zealand and North America. Their flowers are usually blue, but white, pink, and purple types are known; most flower in early spring, but a few are autumn-flowering.

Description

Scilla species are perennial herbs that grow from bulbs. They have basal, simple leaves and erect stems that bear flowers in racemes or spikes. The flowers have six tepals and are usually blue or purple. The fruit is a capsule.

Taxonomy

The genus Scilla was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The name Scilla was used by the Romans and is derived from the Greek "skilla", but the meaning of the name is uncertain. It may be related to the word "skylla", which means "to injure", and could refer to the poisonous nature of the bulbs.

Species

There are about 50 to 80 species in the genus. Some of the more well-known species include Scilla siberica (Siberian squill or wood squill), which is grown as an ornamental bulbous plant in many countries, and Scilla peruviana (Portuguese squill), which despite its name, is native to western Mediterranean regions.

Cultivation and uses

Many species of Scilla are popular garden plants, valued for their attractive early spring flowers. They are suitable for use in rock gardens and containers, and some species are used for naturalising in lawns. They are hardy and once planted can be left undisturbed for several years. They prefer a sunny position and a well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. The bulbs are the most toxic part of the plant. They contain cardiac glycosides, which have a similar effect to digitalis and can cause heart problems if eaten.

See also

• List of Scilla species
• Bulb
• Perennial plant

Scilla Resources
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