This genua of only two species was thought to belong to the Agavaceae (Amaryllidaceae) family until genetic evidence showed that it is younger than the agaves. Therefore it was given its own family, Doryanthaceae[]..

Common Name: Gymea Lily

General Information

Doryanthes excelsa is an evergreen perennial plant forming one or more rosettes of long, sword-shaped leaves around 100 - 250cm tall and, after some years of growth, a flowering stem that can be 200 - 500cm tall[, , ]. Individual rosettes die after the plant flowers, but the plant usually produces one or more new rosettes and thus continues living[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is the potential source of a strong fibre and is also grown as an ornament, often being planted in parks and along road sides in New South Wales[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Eastern Australia - eastern New South Wales

Habitat

Open Eucalyptus forests and deep, woodland sandy soils containing some clay[, ].

Properties

Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Birds
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Doryanthes excelsa is native to the warm temperate regions of eastern Australia.
Requires a position in full sun or light shade[]. Requires a deep, well-drained soil with sufficient moisture during the growing season[].
Plants tend to be quite slow-growing[].
Flowers are produced in the spring but individual rosettes can take several years of growth before they flower. Flowering can be brought on by bushfires, which also promotes the sprouting of root bulbs[].. Flowering can be encouraged in a garden setting by ensuring that the plant is grown in full sun[].
Although the foliage is resistant to frost damage, the developing flowerbuds need protection in areas of heavy frost, particularly if seed collection is planned[].

Edible Uses

Young flowering stems - roasted[, ]. Harvested when around 50cm tall[].

The roots can be mashed into a pulp and made into cakes for eating later[]. The roots can be harvested, roasted and made into a cake[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The leaves are a mass of fibres of great strength, which can be prepared either by boiling or maceration. They are suitable for brush making, matting, etc[, ].

Propagation

Seed will germinate readily within 2 months if no more than a year or two old, and is best sown in autumn. Germination can be encouraged by fire or can be assisted with the use of commercial products such as smoke water. Soaking the seeds in water for eight hours before planting may also assist in germination[]. Plants grown from seed will not flower until at least 5 years old and it can take up to 20 years[, ].
Division

Plants grown from seed will not flower until about 8 years of age.