Flax lilies, Large flax Lily, Tasman flaxlily, Blueberry
Dianella tasmanica
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
What it is like
A robust spreading lily. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 0.5-1.5 m high and spreads 0.5-2 m wide. It forms tufts. The leaves are thick and shiny and strap like. The leaves can be 1.2 m long. They are 15-30 mm wide. They are keeled. The sheath at the base is reddish or purple. The flowers occur in loose clusters. They are on long branching stems and are blue. They are star like. The fruit are deep blue berries. They are 25 mm across. They contain many black seeds.
There are about 20-30 Dianella species. Also put in the family Hemerocallidaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant and will grow in the subtropics. It needs well drained soil. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It is frost hardy. It grows naturally in damp sites under forest. In Tasmania it grows from sea level to 800 m altitude. In Hobart Botanical gardens. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Tasmanian Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The fruit can be used for jam.
Edible parts
Fruit, rhizome, root
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or by division of the clump. Seeds need to be leached for a long period of time.