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Scientific Name
Dianella revoluta
Family Name
LILIACEAE
Common Name
Spreading Flaxlily
Status
Height
0.8m (80cm)
Flowers
Pendulous, blue, star-like, with six petals , yellow centre.
Fruit
Berries or drupes
Form
Tufted plant
Municipalities
Break O'Day; Brighton; Burnie; Central Coast; Central Highlands; Circular Head; Clarence; Derwent Valley; Devonport; Dorset; Flinders Island; Georgetown; Glamorgan-Spring Bay; Glenorchy; Hobart; Huon Valley; Kentish; Kingborough; Latrobe; Launceston; Meander Valley; Northern Midlands; Sorell; Southern Midlands; Tasman; Waratah-Wynyard; West Coast; West Tamar
Communities
Coastal Vegetation; Dry Eucalypt Forest and Woodland; Heath
Habitat Notes
Open areas or under light Eucalypt forest in damp to dry situations, rocky to sandy soils, sea level to 400m on King Island, north west, Midlands, north east, Furneaux Group, east coast, south west and west coast. Tolerates poor soils and drought, once established.
Site Tolerance
Dry; Moist; Rocky
Frost Tolerance
Soil Tolerance
Fertile; Loam; Poor; Sandy; Well-drained
General Notes
Initially seedlings are slow growing and may take up to 3 years to flower. Some growers find the seed difficult to germinate. Temp. may be critical in germination i.e. not above 18oC. Useful species to include in mixed species windbreaks or habitat corridors, for diversity and ground cover. The fruit is eaten by a wide variety of birds including the Grey Shrike-thrush. Plants provide habitat for ground-dwelling reptiles including skinks and other lizards. Koori (mainland) use: The leaves were split and plaited into string to make strong cord. The fruit is said to have been used to make a blue dye, and was also eaten. Used in modern basket weaving. Suitable below powerlines.
Propagation Details
Propagation Calendar
Flowering Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Seed Collecting Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sowing Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cutting Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Seed Information
Seed Collection
Shiny black seed is contained in blue berries, which become soft when mature. relatively few flowers produce fruits. collect into plastic bags as paper bags become soggy. allow to ferment for several weeks
Seed Treatment Method
Smoke
Seed Storage Life
Viable Seeds Per Gram
Seed Treatment Notes
Split individual fruits to release the seed. Results may be erratic. Seed retains viability for 6-12 months, although fresh seed is recommended. Smoke treatment significantly improves results. Soaking seed in soapy water (velvet soap) or a light scarification with sandpaper have also been recommended.
Germination Time
2 weeks to several months.
Suitable for Direct Seeding
Cuttings
Expected Time to Take Root
Expected Time to Plant Out
Propagation by Division
N.B. Transplant only from nearby to avoid disease.
Yes
Cutting Notes
Division of rhizomes during the autumn and early winter is the quickest method of propagation. Divided plants can either be planted directly into their final growing position or potted up and grown on for a year. Remove half of the leaf area to reduce transpiration and water loss and aid establishment.
Copyright 2000-2009, Understorey Network Incorporated. Updated 2024-10-10
Database development and website design by
Andrew Smith