Merwilla plumbea | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Asparagaceae |
Subfamily: | Scilloideae |
Genus: | Merwilla |
Species: | M. plumbea
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Binomial name | |
Merwilla plumbea |
Merwilla plumbea, also known as the blue squill, is a threatened bulb-forming perennial herb in the small genus Merwilla endemic to the Drakensberg. [1] [2]
Merwilla plumbea is found in the eastern part of South Africa, in Eswatini and Lesotho. [2]
Merwilla plumbea is found on rocky, well-drained slopes at altitudes between 300-2500 metres. [2]
Mature individuals are thought to live, on average, for 25 years. [2]
Merwilla plumbea has been assessed as near threatened due to a 25% decline in the local population from intensive poaching of the bulbs in the wild. In 2006, 1 851 580 bulbs in the Warwick Muti Market and 235 872 bulbs were sold in the Faraday Muti Market. [2]
Two subspecies are recognised: [3]