| Dianella tasmanica | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| clade: | Angiosperms |
| clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Xanthorrhoeaceae |
| Subfamily: | Hemerocallidoideae |
| Genus: | Dianella |
| Species: | D. tasmanica |
| Binomial name | |
| Dianella tasmanica Hook.f. |
|
Dianella tasmanica, commonly known as the Tasman Flax-lily[1] or Tasmanian Flax-lily[2] is a herbaceous strappy perennial herb of the family Xanthorrhoeaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae, found in southeastern Australia and Tasmania. It has leaves to 80 cm, flower stem to 1.5 m, and the berries are not edible.[3] Blue flowers in spring and summer are followed by violet berries. It adapts readily to cultivation and is commonly seen in Australian gardens.
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Dianella tasmanica was first described in 1858 by eminent English botanist and explorer Joseph Dalton Hooker.[4] The genus name is derived from the Roman goddess Diana, with a diminutive suffix -ella.[5]
Dianella tasmanica is a strappy herbaceous plant which grows to 0.5-2 metres (1-7 ft) high and wide, with a thick spreading rhizome under the ground. The green linear keeled leaves have finely toothed margins, and may reach 1 m (40 in) in length and 1.5-4 cm wide. The small (1.5 cm diameter) blue flowers bloom in spring and summer (August to February), and are followed by small roughly oval or globular violet berries which range from about 1.2 cm (0.5 in) in diameter.[5]
Found southwards from Dorrigo in New South Wales,[6] and into Victoria and Tasmania, Dianella tasmanica grows singly or in clumps in shady spots in wet forests.[5]
Dianella tasmanica is a hardy plant which has been cultivated in gardens and as a pot plant for many years in Australia, preferring shade and regular moisture.[5] It can also be grown as an indoor plant, in a brightly lit space.[7] A form with variegated leaves known as "Rainbow" is in cultivation, as well as a compact form "Little Devil", and a salt-tolerant form with red-tinged leaves.[8]