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Tall White Squill
Drimia altissima
SA tree number
English: Tall White Squill, Tall Squill, Giant Squill, Tall Drimia, Poison Onion, Giant Drimia, African Hyacinth
Afrikaans: Slangkop, Jeukbol, Maermanbol, Maermanui, Gifui, Grootgifui, Grootwitui
Xhosa: isiKwali
Zulu: isiKlenama, uMahlokolosi, uMgulube
Siswati: Lukhovu
Synonyms, misapplied or old scientific names: Drimia barteri, Drimia paolii, Ornithogalum altissimum, Scilla micrantha, Urginea altissima, Urginea epigea, Urginea micrantha, Urginea macrocentra
Drimia altissima, commonly known as the Tall White Squill or Poison Onion, is a striking indigenous South African bulbous perennial. This plant is characterised by its prominent underground bulb, often leafless flowering stem that can reach impressive heights, and its dense spike of greenish-white, star-shaped flowers. Despite its beauty, it is important to note its toxicity.
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Distinguishing features
Possesses a large, tunicated underground bulb, often partially exposed.
Produces a tall, sturdy, erect flower stalk (scape), which is usually leafless at flowering time.
Features a dense, cylindrical spike of numerous small, greenish-white, star-shaped flowers.
Leaves typically appear after the flowering period, are strap-shaped, and grow upright.
Overall appearance:
Drimia altissima is a robust, bulbous perennial herbaceous plant. It is most conspicuous when its tall flowering scape emerges, often before the leaves develop, creating a dramatic vertical element.
Height:
The flowering stalk (scape) can reach an impressive height of 1 to 3 metres, sometimes even taller.
Width:
The width of the plant is primarily determined by its leaves, which can form a clump up to 30 cm wide. The flower spike is slender.
Leaves:
Leaves usually appear after the flowering scape has withered, or sometimes concurrently.
They are strap-shaped, erect, and firm, growing up to 1 metre long and 5–10 cm wide.
The colour is typically dull green or bluish-green.
Flowers:
Small, numerous, greenish-white, star-shaped flowers are densely arranged on a long, cylindrical spike.
Each flower has six perianth segments (petals and sepals look similar) and six stamens.
The plant is hermaphroditic, meaning each flower contains both male and female reproductive organs, and it is not dioecious.
The flowers open sequentially from the base of the spike upwards.
Flowering season:
Flowers primarily in late summer and autumn, typically from January to April.
Fruits:
Small, oval or oblong capsules that develop after flowering. They contain numerous flattened, black, winged seeds.
Seeds:
Numerous, small, flattened, black, and winged seeds are contained within the capsules. These wings aid in wind dispersal.
Stems:
The main "stem" is the tall, sturdy, unbranched flowering scape (stalk) that emerges directly from the bulb. It is typically leafless at the time of flowering.
Roots:
Fibrous roots emerge from the base of the bulb.
Bulbs:
Possesses a large, spherical to ovoid underground bulb, which can be up to 15–20 cm in diameter.
The bulb is tunicated (layered, like an onion), with whitish or greenish tunics, often becoming exposed above ground with age.
Soil type:
Prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils. It tolerates poor and rocky soils and is often found in open grasslands.
Aspect:
Thrives in full sun. It is highly drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dry conditions.
Edibility:
Not edible. The plant is poisonous.
Toxicity:
Highly toxic. All parts of the plant, especially the bulb, contain cardiac glycosides which can be very poisonous to humans and livestock if ingested. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, heart problems and even death. Care should be taken when handling.
Uses:
Traditional Medicine: Despite its toxicity, traditionally, the bulb has been used in very small, carefully prepared doses by indigenous communities for various medicinal purposes, including treating heart conditions, oedema, and as a purgative or emetic. However, self-medication is extremely dangerous due to its potent toxicity.
Horticultural Interest: Valued as an ornamental plant in rockeries or arid gardens for its dramatic, tall flower spikes and interesting growth habit.
Pest Control: Historically, extracts from the bulb have been used as a rodenticide or insecticide.
Ecology:
Pollination: The flowers, though small, are scented and attract various insects, including bees, which act as pollinators.
Habitat: Often found in open grasslands, rocky outcrops, and disturbed areas.
Livestock Poisoning: Due to its toxicity, it can be a cause of livestock poisoning, particularly when other forage is scarce.
Distribution and habitat:
Drimia altissima is widely distributed across Southern Africa and extends northwards into tropical Africa.
South African Provinces: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, Western Cape.
Habitat: Commonly found in open grasslands, grassy vleis, rocky slopes, and disturbed areas. It is particularly prevalent in summer rainfall regions.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Drimia is derived from the Greek word 'drimys', meaning 'sharp' or 'acrid', referring to the taste or irritating properties of the bulb's sap.
The species epithet altissima is Latin for 'tallest' or 'very tall', directly referring to its remarkably tall flowering scape.
The common name "Poison Onion" refers to its bulbous appearance resembling an onion and its toxic properties.
Historical aspects:
For centuries, Drimia altissima has been recognised in indigenous South African traditional medicine for its potent properties, despite its high toxicity. Its use as a rodenticide also has historical roots.
Interesting facts
Imagine a flower stalk taller than most adults – that's the Drimia altissima for you! Its flowering stem can shoot up to 3 metres high, making it a real showstopper in the veld.
Despite looking like a giant onion, this plant is definitely NOT for your burger! It's super poisonous, so it's a look-but-don't-touch kind of beauty.
Some farmers used to call it the "graveyard lily" because it was often the first plant to sprout after a drought, sometimes in fields where livestock had unfortunately been poisoned by it.
Growing tips
Propagation: Primarily propagated from seeds. Sow seeds in a well-drained, sandy mix. They can also be propagated by separating bulb offsets, but this should be done with care due to the bulb's toxicity.
Planting: Plant the bulb with its neck at or just below soil level, in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil.
Aspect: Prefers full sun. It is a very hardy plant once established.
Watering: It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, especially once dormant (when leaves die back). Overwatering, especially during dormancy, can lead to rot.
Maintenance: Generally low maintenance. Be cautious when handling the bulb, as its sap can irritate skin.
Container Growing: Can be grown in large containers with suitable well-draining soil.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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