Schizocarphus is a genus in the Hyacinthaceae family containing species previously included in the genus Scilla. Scientific studies using DNA sequencing technology have shown that what we know as Scilla actually appear to have multiple evolutionary origins. Therefore it seemed reasonable to recognize each coherent group as separate genera, but not all of the proposed genera were accepted. Schizocarphus in the sub-Saharan African/Indian group however has been accepted with Schizocarphus nervosus in 2022 considered to be the only species. Plants of the World Online lists 10 Scilla species and 5 Schizocarphus species as synonyms. It is summer-growing with multiple scapes per season and black ovoid seeds. Information about the proposed split was provided by Julian Slade. For more information about the proposed, but not entirely accepted Scilla changes, consult his 2003 pbs list post.
Schizocarphus nervosus (Burch.) van der Merwe, syn. Scilla nervosa (Burch.) Jessop, syn. Scilla rigidifolia Kunth, is found in grassland from the Eastern Cape of South Africa to tropical Africa. Growing to 300 mm high, it grows from a bulb with a fibrous top and forms rounded clumps with large buried bulbs with fibrous sheaths. There are many small flowers on a stalk, white or creamy yellow or pinkish with a green or blackish ovary. Photos 1-3 by Cameron McMaster. Photos 4-5 taken by Bob Rutemoeller at Andriesberg. The last photo from Mary Sue Ittner shows bulbs on a 1 cm grid.
Photos taken at Gaika's Kop. The first four taken January 2010 by Mary Sue Ittner and the last two taken by Christopher Whitehouse January 2012.
