Scilla autumnalis

Σκίλλα η φθινοπωρινή

Etymology of Scilla autumnalis: The genus name "scilla" derives from the Ancient Greek "σκίλλα" which means "squill". Latin "autumnalis" means "autumnal", referring to the time of the year when the species blooms.

There are four Scilla species/kinds in the wild Cypriot habitat.

Scilla automnalis is a wonderful plant that can reach up to 25 cm tall, but the ones in the images taken from Akrotiri (Limassol), had a maximum height of 10 cm, and the heavily bloomed ones from Oikos (pronounced as "Ikos") village (Nicosia) could reach up to 20 cm tall. It appears all around Cyprus except for the southeastern part. It grows in uncultivated fields, in low grass territory or sandy areas near the sea, and on dry or rocky hills up to an altitude of 925 metres. Its flowering period is between September and November.