|
Scilla bifolia
Scilla bifolia, the alpine squill[1] or two-leaf squill, is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from an underground bulb,[2] belonging to the genus Scilla of the family Asparagaceae. The Latin specific epithet bifolia means "twin leaved".[3] DescriptionScilla bifolia grows from a bulb 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) across.[2] There are two or rarely three lance-shaped, curved, fleshy and shiny leaves[2] and the bases of the leaves clasp up to about the half of the stem (amplexicaul).[2] The flowering stems are erect and unbranched, 10–20 cm (4–8 in) high.[2] The raceme bears 6-10 flowers, each 1 cm (0.4 in) across.[2] The flowers of Scilla bifolia are upward-facing, unlike the nodding flowers of Scilla siberica (Siberian squill). They bloom from early to late spring. The six tepals are deep violet-blue, more rarely white, pink, or purple.[2] The fruit is a capsule 6–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) across.[2] S. bifolia has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4][5] .jpg) TaxonomySubspecies
The cultivated variety 'Rosea' has pale pink or white flowers. SynonymsSynonyms of Scilla bifolia include:
DistributionScilla bifolia is native to Europe and western Russia south through Turkey to Syria.[6] The plant is found in shady places, woods of beech or deciduous trees, and mountain grasslands.[2] It grows at an altitude of 100–2,000 m (330–6,560 ft) above sea level.[2] GallerySee alsoReferences
External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Scilla bifolia.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
