ASPHODELIACEAE

D. r. sp. Reservoir Hill, D. r. var. revoluta, D. r. var. vinosa

Tufted perennial herb to 1 m high, forming mats with fibrous roots. Strap-like leaves to 85 cm long, dark blue or violet flowers with black anthers, chiefly spring-summer.

Sclerophyll forest, woodland, and mallee. Prefers moist, well-drained soil in semi-shade, tolerates frost and drought. Dislikes extended wet periods. Hardy and long-lived once established. Prefers 200 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Collect pale blue berries late Dec-mid Jan. Seeds remain viable for 6-12 months. Propagate from fresh seed (germination hastened by removing fleshy fruit by soaking in sugary solution to ferment), division, or aerial growths.

Good habitat, berries attract seed-eating birds. Leaves yield silky fiber used for baskets and cord by First Nations People. Attractive ornamental for rockeries, groundcover, with shrubs, containers, and under trees. Edible fruit.