Blue flax lily, Paroo Lily
Dianella caerulea
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
What it is like
A plant which keeps growing from year to year. It forms mats. It grows to 0.5 m high and spreads to 0.3 m across. The stem is erect. The leaves are long and strap like. The clasp the stem at the base. They can be 75 cm long with rough edges. The flowers are blue in loose clusters at the ends of branches. The flowers are star shaped. The fruit are shiny blue berries. They are 7-12 mm long.
There are about 20-30 Dianella species. Also put in the family Hemerocallidaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It will grow on most soils. It can tolerate frost and drought. It suits sheltered and shady positions. It grows in coastal heaths and sand dunes and up to 1,000 m above sea level. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Adelaide Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 9-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Indonesia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Tasmania
How it is used for food
The length of rhizomes are pounded and roasted. The berries are eaten raw when ripe.
Edible parts
Fruit, root, rhizome
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. They can be grown by division.
Its other names
Local names
Blueberry lily, Dianella biru