LILIACEAE

Spreading Flaxlily

 

0.8m (80cm) 

Pendulous, blue, star-like, with six petals , yellow centre. 

Berries or drupes 

Tufted plant 

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 

Coastal Vegetation; Dry Eucalypt Forest and Woodland; Heath 

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. 

Dry; Moist; Rocky 

 

Fertile; Loam; Poor; Sandy; Well-drained 

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. 

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 

Smoke 

 

 

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. 

2 weeks to several months. 

 

 

 

Yes 

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.