Khoho Squill

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Khoho Squill

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Urginea calcarata
• Ornithogalum calcaratum
• Geschollia calcarata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Drimia calcarata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asparagaceae and falls under the genus Drimia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to the southern regions of the African continent. Its primary distribution can be found throughout the Cape Provinces of Southern Africa. Additionally, it grows within the specific environmental conditions of KwaZulu-Natal. These two distinct areas represent the core geographical range for the species. Consequently, its presence is closely tied to the diverse climates of these southern provinces.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Drimia calcarrata is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, allowing it to inhabit diverse montane and submontane environments. This species thrives across a significant vertical gradient, spanning an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 160 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 2713 m AMSL. This wide ecological amplitude suggests an adaptability to varying temperature regimes, atmospheric pressures, and moisture levels associated with different topographical layers. By occupying such a vast range, the plant is able to persist in diverse microclimates, from lower-altitude warmer zones to high-altitude environments nearing the limits of its physiological tolerance.

Elevational range max:

2713 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

160 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Drimia calcarea is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a specialized survivor in its ecosystem, it adopts a life form classified as a geophyte, relying on underground storage organs to endure unfavorable environmental conditions. This classification is further supported by its status as a cryptophyte, indicating that its vital regenerative buds are protected below the soil surface, ensuring its long-term survival and ability to re-emerge seasonally.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Drimia calcarrata is characterized by a herbaceous growth form, functioning as a non-woody plant that lacks any woody tissue. This species is non-climbing and maintains a self-supporting structure rather than acting as an obligatory or facultative climber. It is an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, and it thrives in terrestrial environments rather than as an epiphyte or aquatic species. In terms of physical dimensions, the plant is relatively small, with a stature that typically ranges from a minimum height of 0.07 m to a maximum height of 0.44 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.44 m

Plant height min:

0.07 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Drimia calcarata has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoid, Tannin.

Flavonoid

1. Toxicology reports

Tannin

1. Toxicology reports

Conditions

Drimia calcarata has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Lung Cancer, colorectal cancer.

Lung cancer

1. Frontiers in molecular biosciences

Colorectal cancer

1. Toxicology reports

Preparations

Drimia calcarata has 3 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Water extract (WE), methanol and water extracts, methanol extract (ME).

Water extract (we)

1. Toxicology reports

Methanol and water extracts

1. Frontiers in molecular biosciences

Methanol extract (me)

1. Toxicology reports