Greek chamaeo – ground hugging, scilla – a type of lily, referring to the prostrate leaves of some species.

Perennial, short-rhizomatous herbs with tuberous roots. Leaves in a basal rosette, linear to broadly lanceolate. Flowers radially symmetrical, stalked, individual flower stalks not articulated. Inflorescence a few- to many-flowered cymose panicle.Tepals 3+3, 3 nerved, free, twisting spirally when withered. Stamens 3+3, free; anthers dehiscing along their sides. Ovary superior, 3 lobed. Fruit a 3 lobed capsule. Seeds d-shaped, black, without appendages. Grown for the attractive flowers.

3 species endemic to Australia, mostly in SW WA.

Tuberous roots, flowers with superior ovaries, cymose inflorescences with bright blue flowers, spirally twisting when withered, 3 lobed capsules and black seeds without appendages.

Henderson (1992a), Keighery (2001).

Source: Conran, J. (2005). Laxmanniaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.