Dianella revoluta var. revoluta

Black-anther or Spreading Flax-lily

Dense to open tufting perennial spreading by branched underground stems.

Additional information

• SynonymDianella admixta
• FamilyAsphodelaceae (syn. Hemerocallidaceae, Liliaceae, Phormiaceae)
• StoreyLower storey
• Size0.3-0.8 m x 0.5-1.5 m
• Plant groupingLilies & Irises
• LeavesNarrow erect dark green strap leaves, paler on lower surface, 15-65 cm x 0.5-1.2 cm, sheathed at base. Sheaths reddish. Leaf margins rolled under, finely toothed, midrib smooth.
• Flower colourBlue to violet. Anther brown to black, stalk swellings yellow.
• Flowering timeAugust to May
• FlowersOpen, conical-shaped flowerhead on a stalk taller than leaves, petals spreading to curved back. Berry small, shiny, dark blue.
• Bird attractingBerries
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsWell drained drier clay soils, widespread throughout many plant communities. Snow and frost tolerant. Full sun, partial shade.
• Garden useUseful small tufting plants for drier gardens, cottage gardens and rockeries. Grows well under established trees.
• Commercially availableGenerally. Plants in general nurseries seldom local forms.
• Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
• Aboriginal Use Food - berries, when ripe, seeds chewed; blue dye; leaves - basket making, plaiting into cords
• Related speciesSpecies name returned to D. revoluta as D. admixta is not clearly distinct.

Photo Gallery

(JPG, 453KB)

(JPG, 79KB)

(JPG, 51KB)

(JPG, 150KB)

Plant Communities