Dianella revoluta

Family Phormiaceae

Long lived perennial tufted herb to 1m high, with fibrous roots and strap-like leaves to 85 cm long, often glaucous, sometimes reddish at base. Capable of limited local vegetative spread. Longevity indefinite.

Flowers: Mid to dark blue/violet in October - November. Buzz-pollinated by native bees (including Lipotriches ferricauda) (D. Duncan)

Fruit: Blue berry to 10 mm diameter, maturing  December – January and containing 3-4 seeds. Fruits ingested and possibly dispersed by birds.

Seeds: Shiny, black with brittle or hard seed coat. Some dormancy.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Woodland habitat.
• Rare and localized (only two clumps) at the Australian Botanic Garden, but fertile seed produced.
• Form clumps to 1.5 m diameter.
• Regrows from rhizomes after fire.