This species with a strictly Mediterranean distribution is present along the coasts of almost all the regions of Central and Southern Italy (absent from Tuscany, Marche and Molise), and on the Islands. It grows on dry slopes and in Mediterranean garrigue vegetation, from sea level to about 600 m. The plant contains toxic alkaloids. The genus name, which refers to the mythical monster Charybdis, refers to the coastal habitat; the species name comes from the Greek 'pan' (all) and 'cratys' (powerful, strong), probably due to the plant's ability to withstand the extreme conditions of the habitat, or in reference to its alleged medicinal properties. Flowering period: September to October. Syn.: Urginea maritima (L.) Baker, Scilla maritima L.

Italian name(s): Urginea marittima (Italia).