Direct organogenesis from leaf explants of Scilla natalensis Planch

Scilla natalensis Planch. (mountain lily) is a medicinal plant threatened i n South Africa by overexploitation and lack of organised cultivation. Direc t organogenesis from leaf explants was achieved on MS medium. Of the differ ent combinations of hormones tried, 2.5 mg L-1 benzylaminopurine (BA), 0.5 mg L-1 kinetin (Kin) and 0.5 mg L-1 indolebutyric acid (IBA) was found best to obtain direct organogenesis. Up to 20 shoots were initiated from 1 cm(2 ) leaf discs in 2-4 weeks time. 1.5-2.5 cm long micro-shoots rooted in vitr o on 1/2 strength MS medium containing 1.0 mg L-1 IBA. Micro-shoots could r oot ex vitro as well. 80-90% of the rooted shoots survived in the pots.