Herb: Flax Lily


Latin name: Dianella tasmanica


Family: Phormiaceae



Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
May to
July

Habitat of Flax Lily:

Forests.

Other uses of the herb:

A very strong silky fibre is obtained from the leaves. The leaves are also used in making baskets.

Propagation of Flax Lily:

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.

Cultivation of the herb:

Forests.

Medicinal use of Flax Lily:

None known

Known hazards of Dianella tasmanica:

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

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.