Scilla species: Scilla, squill

Family

Liliaceae

Common Names

Scilla, squill, Commonly cultivated species include autumn squill or starry hyacinth (S. autumalis), Hyacinth scilla (S. hyacinthoides), Cuban lily or Peruvian hyacinth (S. peruviana), bluebell (S. siberica) [1].

Other genera closely related to Scilla, and at times considered the same genus by some taxonomists, are Hyacinthoides (English bluebells) and Hyacinthus (hyacinth).

Plant Description

A genus of some 90 species of bulb forming plants, Scilla are native to Europe, Africa and South America. The strap shaped leaves are produced from the bulbs in the spring and are followed by the terminal racemes of blue or white flowers. The individual flowers are small, star-shaped, 6 petalled and clustered terminally on the stems (Fig. 358 and Fig. 359).

Figure 358. Scilla siberica.

Figure 359. Scilla peruviana.

Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action

The bulbs and new growth contain toxic bufadienolides similar to digitalis and similar to scillaren and scilliroside found in Squill or sea onion (Urginea maritima L) [2]. Scilliroside is a potent rodenticide and is used as such.

Risk Assessment

Scillas are commonly grown as outdoor plants or as potted indoor plants for their showy blue or white flowers. Poisoning of domestic pets has not been reported to date, but some species are toxic to sheep in areas where the plants are indigenous [3]. The bulbs have the greatest potential for poisoning of people who mistake the bulbs for onions, and pets that have access to the bulbs.

Clinical Signs

Vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain have been reported in people who ate the bulbs. The cardiac glycosides in the plant can produce severe cardiac dysrhythmias and bradycardia [4]. Hyperkalemia may also develop.

Activated charcoal administered orally with saline cathartics can reduce absorbtion of the toxins. Severe cardiac dysrhythmias and bradycardia will require atropine and other antiarrhythmic drugs. Digitalis specific antibodies may also be effective in severe cases [5].