Asphodeliaceae

Noted in most areas of region.

Sclerophyll forest. Prefers protected position in moist, well-drained soil and semi-shade. Tolerates frost. Resents extended wet periods. Hardy. Long-lived once established. Susceptible to heavy grazing.

Tufted perennial herb with fleshy-fibrous or tuberous roots. Strap-like leaves to 80 cm long and inflorescence beyond foliage up to 1.5 m high. Pale blue flowers with orange or yellow anthers, spring-summer, and globular pale blue berries.

Late Dec to mid Jan when ripe berries pale blue. Seeds remain viable for 6- 12 months.

From seed (preferably fresh); by division (which is easy), or from aerial growths. Remove fleshy fruit from seeds before sowing by soaking in sugary solution.

Good habitat. Seed-eating birds attracted to berries.

Tough leaves yield silky fibre which was used for baskets and cord.

Attractive ornamental for rockeries, groundcover, mingling with small shrubs, containers and under trees.

Edible fruit tasty.