Spreading flax lily, Black-anther Flax-lily, Blueberry lily
Dianella revoluta
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
What it is like
A tufted plant. It grows 0.2-1 m high. It spreads 0.5-1 m across. It forms grass-like tussocks. The leaves are long and narrow. They are 15-85 cm long. They are folded down the middle and the edges bend backwards and are rolled under. They are strap like. The clumps of these plants produce many flower spikes. The flowers are grouped into stems longer than the leaves. The flowers are pale blue. The fruit are blue. They are 10 mm across. Many flowers do not produce fruit. The seeds are shiny and black.
There are about 20-30 Dianella species. Also put in the family Hemerocallidaceae.
Where it is found
It can grow in temperate and tropical regions. It grows in woodland and heath. It grows in semiarid places. It is frost hardy. It can grow in full sun or light shade. In Tasmania it grows from sea level up to 400 m altitude. In the Inland Botanical Gardens Mildura. In Melbourne Botanical Gardens. 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 ripe berries are eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit, roots, bulbs
How it is grown
It can be grown by division of the clump. It can also be grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Murmbal