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Central QLD Coast Landcare Network

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Blue Flax-lily

Dianella caerulea, Fam. Hemerocallidaceae


Flax-lilies are hardy long-lived, tufted perennial herbs with creeping underground stems (rhizomes) and fibrous or tuberous roots. With several recognised varieties, D.caerulea is the most common and largest, to 2m tall and often forming large clumps. Dianella is the diminutive of Diana, Roman goddess of hunting and queen of the woods. Caerulea, is derived from the Latin caeruleus, meaning dark blue.

Form or habit: Herb
Latex: Hemerocallidaceae
Leaf: Simple Basal
Long narrow, 100—750 x 3—25mm, folded lengthwise, with closed basal sheath; margins finely toothed (serrated), as is the midrib on the underside.
Flower conspicuous: Conspicuous
Flower colour: Blue
Flower description: Pale to dark blue star shaped flowers, 6-12mm long, borne on long stems in any month but especially spring and summer.
Fruit conspicuous: Conspicuous
Fruit colour: Purple
Fruit: Fleshy
Fruit description: The succulent, vibrant purple-blue, slightly flattened berries, 7-12 x 8-15mm, are edible and contain 6-12 shiny black seeds.
Habitat: Gallery (Riverine or riparian) forest,Woodland/ open forest,Beach Scrub/Littoral Rainforest
Distribution NE Queensland to southern NSW
Food source for: Grey Shrike-thrush, Ground Parrot, Lewin's Honeyeater. Shoots eaten by the Pied Currawong.
Toxicity: No toxicity known
Origin: Australia
Weed: No
Weed status:
Notes:
Information sources: Don Perrin. (1990) Dictionary of Botanical Names.,Melzer R. & Plumb J. (2007) Plants of Capricornia.

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