Merwilla plumbea explained

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]

Distribution

Merwilla plumbea is found in the eastern part of South Africa, in Eswatini and Lesotho.

Habitat

Merwilla plumbea is found on rocky, well-drained slopes at altitudes between 300-2500 metres.

Ecology

Mature individuals are thought to live, on average, for 25 years.

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.

Taxonomy

Two subspecies are recognised:

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Threatened Species Programme SANBI Red List of South African Plants . 2024-01-14 . redlist.sanbi.org.