Tasman flax-lily (Dianella tasmanica, Fl. Tasman. 2: 57 (1858))

Family: Asphodelaceae

Author: Hook.f.

Bibliography: Fl. Tasman. 2: 57 (1858)

Year: 1858

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Dianella

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. New South Wales to Tasmania

Description

The Tasman flax-lily, known scientifically as Dianella tasmanica, is a striking perennial that belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. This robust plant is renowned for its elegant, sword-like foliage and is a native species found primarily from Southeastern New South Wales to the island state of Tasmania.

First documented by the acclaimed botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker in 1858, the Tasman flax-lily thrives in a variety of habitats, often gracing forests, woodland edges, and coastal dunes. This adaptable nature makes it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.

The plant features long, arching leaves that can reach up to one meter in length. Each leaf is a vibrant green with a distinctive, glossy finish, making them a visually appealing addition to any natural setting. During the flowering season, Dianella tasmanica produces stunning blue or violet flowers, borne on tall, slender stalks. These flowers eventually give way to attractive, metallic-blue berries, which add an additional layer of interest and beauty.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Tasman flax-lily is valued for its hardiness. It can tolerate a variety of soil types and environmental conditions, although it prefers well-drained soil and a bit of shade. Its resilience and low-maintenance nature make it an ideal plant for both novice gardeners and experienced horticulturists alike.

Overall, Dianella tasmanica stands out not just for its beauty but also for its adaptability and resilience. Whether used in residential gardens, public landscapes, or conservation areas, the Tasman flax-lily is a testament to the diverse and stunning flora of Southeastern Australia and Tasmania.

Common Names

Eng: tasman flax-lily, blue berry flax-lily, flax-lily
Por: dianela
En: Tasman flax-lily, Blue berry flax-lily, Flax-lily
Pt: Dianela

Synonyms

• Dianella tasmanica var. variegata (C.Pynaert)
• Dianella tasmanica var. gigantea (Schlittler)
• Dianella tasmanica f. laevis (Schlittler)
• Dianella archeri (Hook.f.)
• Dianella hookeri (Baker)
• Dianella densa (Lindb.)
• Dianella divaricata f. dentifera (Schlittler)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by MarianneCh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Barón Amarís Martha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Oct 7, 2021 by Yanina Medina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Barón Amarís Martha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2021 by Louise Hamel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 4, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 4, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2020 by Martin Hoffmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Rina Jeger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5305181)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:533871-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dianella tasmanica Hook.f.)

Specifications

Growth