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.
| Scilla bifolia | |
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Scilloideae |
| Genus: | Scilla |
| Species: | S. bifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Scilla bifolia | |
The Latin specific epithet bifolia means "twin leaved".[3]
Description
Scilla 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]
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Taxonomy
Subspecies
- Scilla bifolia subsp. bifolia
- Scilla bifolia subsp. buekkensis (Speta) Soó
- Scilla bifolia subsp. rara Trávníček
- Scilla bifolia subsp. spetana (Kereszty) Trávníček
- Cultivars
The cultivated variety 'Rosea' has pale pink or white flowers.
Synonyms
Synonyms of Scilla bifolia include:
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Distribution
Scilla 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]
Gallery
See also
References
- T.G. Tutin, V.H. Heywood et alii, Flora Europaea, Cambridge University Press, 1976
External links
Data related to Scilla bifolia at Wikispecies