Scilla peruviana

Quiz of the Day. Where does Scilla peruviana come from? Suggested answer - Peru. Unfortunately not. A native of both coasts of the western Mediterranean, it was originally brought thence to Bristol in a ship named the 'Peru'. 

There are two stories to explain the name - firstly that it was mistakenly thought to have come from South America, mixing the country of origin with the name of the ship, and secondly, it was actually named after the ship. 

The latter seems unlikely as 'peruviana' means 'from Peru', as far as I know. Keeps us on our toes anyway! I grew several of these from seed many years ago and keep them indoors as it really needs a much hotter summer than we have here. I did try one outside and never saw it again!