Common Name: Tasman Flax Lily

General Information

Dianella tasmanica is an evergreen perennial with a thick, spreading, rhizomatos rootstock; it corms a clump of grass-like leaves, growing up to 90cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials. It is often grown as an ornamental, especially in Australian gardens.

Known Hazards

The fruit of this species can cause irritation to the digestive tract[].

Botanical References

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Range

Australia - Tasmania, Victoria, southeast New South Wales.

Habitat

Forests[]. Found mainly in shallow often sandy soil near rocks; at elevations up to 1,200 metres in Tasmania[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Dianella tasmanica is native to the temperate climate of Tasmania and southeastern mainland Australia. Plants are said to tolerate occasional temperatures down to at least -7°c in Australian gardens. Although not very cold-tolerant, in cooler parts of the temperate zone this species can survive in sheltered stable environments in dappled shade, such as a woodland, so long as temperatures do not drop far below zero for long periods[].
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[]. Some forms of this plant can be grown in moderately saline conditions.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A very strong silky fibre is obtained from the leaves[].

The leaves are used in making baskets[].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 24 hours in luke-warm water and then sow in spring in gentle heat in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 25°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first two years. When large enough, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer.
Division as the plants come into growth in the spring[]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.