| Common Name: | Tasman Flax-lily |
| Synonym: | |
| Family: | Liliaceae (Phormiaceae) |
| Size: | 0.6-1.5m x 0.5-2m |
| Description: | Very robust tufted perennial forming a large clump, spreading vigorously from strong yellow underground stems. |
| Leaves: | Broad dark green strap leaves 20-95cm x 2-4cm, standing erect. Sheathed at base. Regularly and prominently teethed on margins and midrib of lower surface. |
| Flowering: | Strong, many-branched flowerhead, generally taller than leaves, with many flowers, petals spreading to bent backwards. Berry shiny, smooth, purple. |
| Flower Colour: | Blue. Pale yellow anthers shorter than swollen dark yellow stalk. |
| Flowering Time: | August to February |
| Growing Conditions: | Moist soil in cool sheltered mountain and foothill forests. Frost and snow tolerant. Semi shade to full shade. |
| Garden Use: | Vigorous tuft for planting under established trees. Spreads less vigorously in drier conditions. Leaves will burn in full sun. Other forms are becoming commercially available. |
| Related Species: | |
| Plant Communities: | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 30, 33, 34, 38, 40, 45 |
| Conservation Status: | Widespread within the Shire |
| Aboriginal Use: | Leaves - basket making, plaiting into cords |
| Commercially available: | Generally. Plants in general nurseries occasionally local forms. |
| Bird Attracting: | Berries |
| Butterfly Attracting: | Food plant for caterpillars |
| Frog Habitat: | Yes |
| Photographer: | 1, 5 Marilyn Gray ©; 2 Cathy Powers ©; 3, 4 Shire of Yarra Ranges photo library |