Narrow-leaved palm lily
Cordyline stricta
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
A tall herb with slender stems. It grows 1.8-4.5 m high. It can be 1-2 m across. It forms spreading clumps. There are rhizomes under the ground. The leaves are narrow and sword shaped. They hang downwards. The edges have teeth. The leaves are 20-60 cm long by 1-2.5 cm wide. The flowers are purple or violet. The are shaped like tubes at the base. They are 0.8-1 cm long. They are borne in panicles 30-70 cm long. They hang down in long sprays. The fruit are berries. They are purple or black. They are round and 0.3-0.5 cm across.
There are 15-20 Cordyline species. Also put in the family Laxmanniaceae.
Where it is found
It can tolerate dark conditions for a long time. It grows in temperate to tropical conditions. It needs well drained soil. It does best in light shade. It can stand light frosts. Melbourne Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Indonesia, SE Asia, Slovenia, Tasmania
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit, rhizome, root
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed, dividing the rhizome or stem cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Angond lili daun kurus, Erect palm-lily, Slender palm lily