Sea Squill, Red squill

Urginea maritima

Physical Characteristics

Urginea maritima is a BULB growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf from October to July, in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe - Mediterranean.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiarrhythmic Antidandruff Cardiotonic Diuretic Emetic Expectorant Miscellany Sea squill contains cardiac glycosides which are strongly diuretic and relatively quick-acting[254]. They do not have the same cumulative effect as those present in foxglove (Digitalis spp.)[254]. The bulb has been widely used by herbalists, mainly for its effect upon the heart and for its stimulating, expectorant and diuretic properties[4]. The fresh bulb is slightly more active medicinally than the dried bulb, but it also contains a viscid acrid juice that can cause skin inflammations[4]. This is a very poisonous plant and it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[238]. The dried bulb is cardiotonic, strongly diuretic, emetic when taken in large doses and expectorant[4, 46, 57, 61, 89, 165, 171, 254]. The bulb can weigh up to 2 kilos[4]. It is used internally in the treatment of bronchitis, bronchitic asthma, whooping cough and oedema[238] and is a potential substitute for foxglove in aiding a failing heart[254]. The bulb is harvested in the autumn, sliced transversally and dried for later use[238]. Externally, the bulb has been used in the treatment of dandruff and seborrhoea[238].

Known Hazards

The bulb is poisonous in large doses[4, 19]. The red form especially has a fairly specific action on rats[4, 57, 171]. The fresh bulb contains an acrid juice that can cause skin blisters[4].