Dianella revoluta

R. Br.

Spreading flax lily, Black-anther Flax-lily, Blueberry lily

Xanthorrhoeaceae Edible: Fruit, Roots, Bulbs 5,333 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Dianella revoluta, commonly known as blueberry lily, blue flax-lily, or black-anther flax-lily, a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae and is endemic to, and widespread in Australia. It is a tufted, perennial herb with grass-like leaves and up to nine blue or violet flowers with six tepals, and stamens with bright yellow filaments and pale brown to almost black anthers.

Description

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.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and grows up to 1.5cm in diameter. The white leaf base may also be edible.

Traditional Uses

The ripe berries are eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

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.

Where It Grows

Australia*, Tasmania*,

Cultivation

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil in sun or dappled shade. Requires a well-drained neutral to acid soil. Requires a sunny sheltered position when grown outdoors in Britain. Although not very cold-tolerant, this species can possibly survive in sheltered stable environments in dappled shade, such as a woodland, if temperatures do not drop far below zero for long periods.

Propagation

Pre-soak seed for 24 hours in lukewarm water, then sow in spring in gentle heat in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 1–3 months at 25°C. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough and grow on under glass for at least the first two years before planting out in late spring or early summer. Divide as growth begins in spring — larger clumps can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller clumps are best potted up in a cold frame until well rooted before planting out in spring.

Other Uses

A very strong, silky fibre is obtained from the leaves, which are also used in basket-making.

Notes

There are about 20-30 Dianella species. Also put in the family Hemerocallidaceae.

Also Known As

Murmbal

References (28)

Bindon, P., 1996, Useful Bush Plants. Western Australian Museum. p 99
Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 337
Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 189, 195
Cronin, L., 1989, The Concise Australian Flora. Reed. p 99
Curtis, W.M., & Morris, D.I., 1994, The Student's Flora of Tasmania. Part 4B St David's Park Publishing, Tasmania, p 378

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