Merwilla plumbea
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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]
Distribution
Merwilla plumbea is found in the eastern part of South Africa, in Eswatini and Lesotho.[2]
Habitat
Merwilla plumbea is found on rocky, well-drained slopes at altitudes between 300-2500 metres.[2]
Ecology
Mature individuals are thought to live, on average, for 25 years.[2]
Conservation status
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]
Taxonomy
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Two subspecies are recognised:[3]
- Merwilla plumbea subsp. kraussii (Baker) J.C.Manning, syn. Scilla kraussii
- Merwilla plumbea subsp. plumbea, syn. Scilla natalensis
References
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