Dianella congesta
| Dianella congesta | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Subfamily: | Hemerocallidoideae |
| Genus: | Dianella |
| Species: | D. congesta |
| Binomial name | |
| Dianella congesta | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Dianella congesta, commonly known as beach flax lily,[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae. It is a shrub up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) high, with blue flowers.
The species is native to Australia, and was described in 1810.
Taxonomy
The species was described by Robert Brown in 1810.[3] Frederick Manson Bailey placed it as a variety of Dianella caerulea. Jakob Schlittler placed it as a form of Dianella nemorosa[1] (a synonym of Dianella ensifolia).[4]
Distribution
Dianella congesta is native to the seasonally dry tropical biome of south-east Queensland and eastern New South Wales, Australia.[1] It grows mainly on coastal sand dunes, and is an effective sand-binder.[5]
Description
Dianella congesta is a subshrub or shrub.[1] It grows up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) high, and forms mats that can be 20 metres (66 ft) wide at the base. The stems are 50–60 centimetres (1.6–2.0 ft) long. The roots are fibrous.[5]
The leaves are 10–45 centimetres (0.33–1.48 ft) long, 1–1.5 centimetres (0.39–0.59 in) wide, and curved downwards.[5][6]
The inflorescences are narrowly cylindrical, and have two to eight flowers. The flower stems are less than 1 centimetre (0.39 in) long. The perianth segments are blue, and elliptic to ovate-elliptic. The sepals are 7.5–8.5 millimetres (0.30–0.33 in) long. The petals are 6.5–7.5 millimetres (0.26–0.30 in) long.[5] The plant flowers in spring and summer.[6]
The berries are 6–12 millimetres (0.24–0.47 in) long. The seeds are 2.9–3.9 millimetres (0.11–0.15 in) long. The seed case is smooth, black, and shiny.[5]
Dianella congesta is closely related to Dianella caerulea.[5]
Uses
Dianella congesta has sometimes been used in horticulture and landscaping.[5]
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Dianella congesta". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2026-07-12.
- ↑ "Dianella congesta R.Br". CatalogueOfLife.org. Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- ↑ "Dianella congesta R.Br". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries; Australian National Botanic Gardens.
- ↑ "Dianella nemorosa". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2026-07-12.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Dianella congesta R.Br". profiles.ala.org.au. Flora Of Australia. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- 1 2 "Dianella congesta R.Br". PlantNet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au. New South Wales Flora Online. Retrieved 12 July 2026.