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: Giant Spear Lily

General Information

Doryanthes palmeri is an evergreen perennial plant forming one or more rosettes of long, sword-shaped leaves around 3 - 4 metres tall and after some years a flowering stem that can be 5 metres 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 ornamentl.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Eastern Australia - northeast New South Wales, southeast Queensland

Habitat

Coastal ranges, usually in wet eucalypt open-forest on steep slopes[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Birds
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Doryanthes palmeri is native to the subtropical regions of eastern Australia. A xerophytic plant, it is adapted to the dry conditions of the region and does not require much water. However, the leaves can turn yellow in heat above 40°c[].
Requires a position in full sun or only light shade[]. Succeeds in most soil types, including nutrient deficient soils, but will grow better if nutrients are added[]. Plants can thrive in windy environments due to the structural support provided by the ribbing in the leaves[].
Flowers are produced in the spring but individual rosettes can take over 13 years to 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[].

Edible Uses

Young flowering stems - roasted[].

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

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 germination can be encouraged by fire or can be assisted with the use of commercial products such as smoke water. Soaking seeds in water for eight hours before planting may also assist in germination[].
Division