Merwilla is a proposed genus in the Hyacinthaceae family containing species from the genus Scilla. Recent 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 recognise each coherent group as separate genera. Merwilla is in the sub-Saharan African/Indian group. The name change to this group has been accepted. The three species listed below are from South Africa, summer-growing, winter-dormant with one scape per season, seeds whitish and papery and with unfertilised flowers that drop off. For more information about the proposed Scilla changes consult 
Julian Slade's post.
Merwilla dracomontana syn. Scilla dracomanta
Merwilla kraussii syn. Scilla dracomanta
Merwilla plumbea syn. Scilla natalensis is from the summer rainfall area of South Africa. It appears to be hardy to Zone 7 and tolerant of rain during the winter. With regular water it may remain evergreen. It has been described as flowering in spring, summer, and fall perhaps depending on when it received water. Sometimes the leaves appear after the flowers. It was the subject of an extensive discussion on the PBS list in March 2003. The first picture is of a large clump in the Botanical Garden at the University of California in Berkeley when they were dormant followed by more pictures of spring blooming plants at UC Berkeley in early and later phases of bloom and showing how they need a lot of space. Photos by Liz Waterman.
The first picture of the flowers with the sky in the background was taken by Bill Dijk. The second photo by Jana Ulmer shows a first bloom emerging in March 2003 from a plant started from seed in December 1997. The third picture is of one is blooming in the So. Calif. garden of Doug Westfall where it is growing in a container. The fourth picture captures the beautiful colour and texture of fresh spring growth, by Jacob Knecht.
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