Squill
Scientific Classification & Quick Facts
| Common name | Squill |
| Scientific name | Scilla |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Type | Bulb-forming perennial |
| Habitat | Well-drained soil in sun or under deciduous trees |
| Native range | Africa, Middle East and Europe |
| Colours | Mostly blue flowers; also pink, purple, white |
| Flowering season | Spring; sometimes autumn |
| Special feature | Used as a rat poison |
Squill is also known as Scilla, Sea Onion, European Squill, White Squill, Indian Squill, Sea Squill, Red Squill, and Mediterranean Squill. It is a bulb-forming perennial herbal plant. Its Scilla species are grown for their attractive flowers, while the medicinal sea squill is Drimia maritima (formerly Urginea maritima). Its classical name “Scilla” is derived from the Greek, and means “excite” or “disturb.” Its bulb is its useful part. These bulbs are first cut into slices, then dried and powdered. It is also prepared in liquid form as a juice or extract. The inner layer of the bulb is used to make medicines. Its outer layer is removed and discarded. It has diuretic, acrid, emetic and expectorant properties.
History
From the early, classic times Squill was used as a medicine and it is still being used by physicians. In the sixth Century BC, Pythagoras is said to have devised the Oxymel of Squill. The Ancient Egyptians and Romans used extracts of the bulb for the treatment of edema. In 1985, it was approved by a German Commission for cardiac insufficiency.
Anatomy
The flowers of the Squill plant are blue in color, but pink, purple and white are also found. These flowers bloom in the spring season, and sometimes they bloom in autumn. It has fibrous roots. These roots are arranged from the base of large, nearly round bulb. They are 4 to 6 inches long and its outer scale is papery and thin, and orange to brown or red in color.
Habitat
The Squill plant is native to the Subalpine Meadows, Seashores and Woodlands throughout Africa, Middle East and Europe. Some of its species are naturalized in North America, New Zealand and Australia. It grows on the sandy coastline of the Mediterranean Sea.
Soil for Planting
The Squill plant requires well drained soil. A soil that is rich in organic matter is ideal for them. Applying compost before planting can improve the organic content.
Planting
Squill grows well under deciduous trees. Under this tree it can complete its bloom cycle. It is also planted in lawns.
Watering
The Squill plant requires regular watering. Deep watering is essential for good growth of plants because it provides moisture to the soil. Over watering is not ideal for the plant because it can cause bulb rot.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants require full sunlight. Their bulbs are stored for a long time period at temperatures between 60 degree and 68 degree F. This plant does not do well in a dry and hot climate.
Flowering and Maturing Care
It is easy to care for the Squill plant if it is planted in an ideal location. When its foliage emerges in spring or late winter season, then it requires fertilizers. Granular fertilizers which are high in phosphorus and low in Nitrogen are ideal for them.
Harvest
Bulbs are harvested in the Squill plant after the leaves at the base have shrunken. It is harvested when its medicinal properties are at their highest level.
Pests and Pesticides
Squill is used as a pest control for rat poison. It may be subject to a virus. It is resistant to rodents and deer. It is hardly ever affected by diseases and pests.
Uses
Squill is used as a Rodenticide. It is used as a hair tonic to treat dandruff and seborrhea. It is taken by the people to regularize heartbeat, mild heart failure and vein problems. It is used as a “heart tonic” and in the treatment of asthma with bronchitis, lung diseases and also for whooping coughs and chronic bronchitis. It is also used in making poultices.
Squill FAQs
What is squill?
Squill is a bulb-forming plant also known as sea onion, white squill or Mediterranean squill. Its bulb is the part used.
Where does squill grow?
Squill is native to Africa, the Middle East and Europe, in meadows, seashores and woodlands. It also grows on the sandy Mediterranean coast.
What colour are squill flowers?
Squill flowers are usually blue, but some are pink, purple or white. They bloom in spring and sometimes in autumn.
Is squill used to kill rats?
Yes. The article says squill is used as a rat poison, and that rodents and deer leave the plant alone.
What does the bulb of squill look like?
It is a large, nearly round bulb with a thin, papery outer scale that can be orange, brown or red. Fibrous roots grow from its base.
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