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 |
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]
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]
The cultivated variety 'Rosea' has pale pink or white flowers.
Synonyms of Scilla bifolia include:
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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]
Data related to Scilla bifolia at Wikispecies