Dianella sp. aff. caerulea (West Gippsland)

Paroo Lily, Tall Flax-lily

Single erect tuft or sparsely clumping perennial herb with fibrous roots.

Additional information

• SynonymDianella laevis var. aspera
• FamilyAsphodelaceae (syn. Hemerocallidaceae, Liliaceae, Phormiaceae)
• StoreyLower storey
• Size0.2-0.5 m x 0.3-1 m
• Plant groupingLilies & Irises
• LeavesNarrow dark green leaves 10-25 cm x 5-17 mm, on branching stems. Leaf sheath closely folded and fused. Irregularly minutely saw-toothed on margins and midrib on lower surface.
• Flower colourPale to dark blue. Anthers yellow-brown, swollen stamen stalk yellow.
• Flowering timeAugust to February
• FlowersLoose, few-flowered branching flower stem, held erect above leaves. Flowers to 20 mm wide, petals and sepals spreading. Distinctive violet to purple anthers. Berries blue.
• Bird attractingBerries
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsWell drained moist soils in foothill forests. Frost tolerant. Full sun to dappled shade.
• Garden useAn interesting erect lily for shady moist positions under established trees or as a clumping low hedge.
• Commercially availableGenerally. Plants in general nurseries seldom local forms.
• Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
• Aboriginal Use Leaves - basket making, plaiting into cords
• Related speciesMore closely related to D. tasmanica. Will probably be raised to species level in the future.

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