

Flax lilies
Botanical name: Dianella
Flax lilies
Botanical name: Dianella


Description

Flax lilies are grass-like plants that have long, narrow leaves with strong, silky fiber, which were used for making baskets by Indigenous Australians. Flax lilies bloom with blue flowers that eventually turn into small, blueberry-like fruit. The genus was named Dianella in honor of Diana, the Roman goddess of wild animals and hunt. These charming flowers are often cultivated as ornamental perennials.

Species of Flax lilies


Flax lily
Flax lily (Dianella ensifolia) is a low-growing perennial native to swampy areas. The plant can grow up to 1.5 m tall and spreads at the root to form large clumps. Juice from the fleshy berries has been used as a dye for textiles and garments and is even capable of staining pavement.

Ink berry
The ink berry is a grass-like plant that produces a fruit similar to blackberries. Though attractive and regularly eaten by birds, these berries are reported to be poisonous to humans. When squeezed, the berries produce an ink-like fluid, which explains the plant's common name. Ink berry is sometimes grown as a garden plant, thanks to its ornamental properties.

Blueberry lily
Blueberry lily are grass-like plants that have long, narrow leaves with strong, silky fiber, which were used for making baskets by Indigenous Australians. Blueberry lily bloom with blue flowers that eventually turn into small, blueberry-like fruit. The genus was named Dianella in honor of Diana, the Roman goddess of wild animals and hunt. These charming flowers are often cultivated as ornamental perennials.

Tasmanian flax-lily
Tasmanian flax-lily (Dianella tasmanica) is an Australian herbaceous species that has made its way into many Australian gardens. It grows well with partial shade and regular moisture. Its flowers bloom between summer and winter and are followed by small purple berries. Unlike some related plants the fruits of tasmanian flax-lily are toxic.

Cerulean flaxlily
Cerulean flaxlily are grass-like plants that have long, narrow leaves with strong, silky fiber, which were used for making baskets by Indigenous Australians. Cerulean flaxlily bloom with blue flowers that eventually turn into small, blueberry-like fruit. The genus was named Dianella in honor of Diana, the Roman goddess of wild animals and hunt. These charming flowers are often cultivated as ornamental perennials.

Dianella adenanthera
Dianella adenanthera are grass-like plants that have long, narrow leaves with strong, silky fiber, which were used for making baskets by Indigenous Australians. Dianella adenanthera bloom with blue flowers that eventually turn into small, blueberry-like fruit. The genus was named Dianella in honor of Diana, the Roman goddess of wild animals and hunt. These charming flowers are often cultivated as ornamental perennials.

Dianella javanica
Dianella javanica are grass-like plants that have long, narrow leaves with strong, silky fiber, which were used for making baskets by Indigenous Australians. Dianella javanica bloom with blue flowers that eventually turn into small, blueberry-like fruit. The genus was named Dianella in honor of Diana, the Roman goddess of wild animals and hunt. These charming flowers are often cultivated as ornamental perennials.

Dianella latissima
Dianella latissima are grass-like plants that have long, narrow leaves with strong, silky fiber, which were used for making baskets by Indigenous Australians. Dianella latissima bloom with blue flowers that eventually turn into small, blueberry-like fruit. The genus was named Dianella in honor of Diana, the Roman goddess of wild animals and hunt. These charming flowers are often cultivated as ornamental perennials.

'uki'uki
'uki'uki are grass-like plants that have long, narrow leaves with strong, silky fiber, which were used for making baskets by Indigenous Australians. 'uki'uki bloom with blue flowers that eventually turn into small, blueberry-like fruit. The genus was named Dianella in honor of Diana, the Roman goddess of wild animals and hunt. These charming flowers are often cultivated as ornamental perennials.

Care Guide for Flax lilies





Scientific Classification

Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Monocotyledons Order
Asparagus and allies Family
Asphodel Genus
Flax lilies