| 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 |
| Binomial name | |
| Merwilla plumbea | |
Merwilla plumbea, also known as the blue squill, is a perennial, bulb-forming herb in the small genus Merwilla of the family Asparagaceae. It is 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]
