Family: Asphodelaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Dianella revoluta, commonly known as spreading flax lily, is a hardy, grass-like perennial native to Australia. It forms dense clumps of arching, strap-shaped leaves and produces delicate blue to violet star-shaped flowers on slender stems, followed by attractive metallic blue berries. This adaptable plant thrives in a wide range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and tolerates drought once established. Spreading flax lily is widely used in landscaping as a groundcover, border plant, or erosion-control species on slopes. Its tidy form, low maintenance needs, and tolerance of poor soils make it a popular choice for residential and commercial landscapes.
Risks & Threats
Spreading flax lily is considered low risk for Hawaiʻi. While it can slowly expand by underground rhizomes to form clumps, it is not known to spread aggressively or invade natural areas in the Islands. Seed production is modest, and there is no evidence of significant naturalization in Hawaiʻi. As with many ornamental plants, responsible planting and proper garden maintenance are recommended to prevent unintended spread, but overall, this species poses minimal environmental concern when used appropriately in managed landscapes.
High Risk Traits:
- Bird-dispersed seeds (long-distance spread).
- Geophyte with underground storage organs (aids regeneration after disturbance).
- Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (sandy, loamy, clay, limestone).
- Partially self-compatible.
- Benefits from fire (smoke-induced germination; suckers after damage).
- Known to hybridize with other Dianella species.
Low Risk Traits:
- Requires specialist buzz-pollinators.
- No evidence of naturalization or weediness anywhere.
- Non-toxic to animals and humans (edible fruit).
- Not shade tolerant.
- Requires well-drained soils (not aquatic).
- Non-climbing; does not form dense thickets.
- Slow growth rate and maturity.
- Not allelopathic or parasitic.
- Lacks spines, burrs, or other attachment structures.
- Not prolific; seeds have slow, sporadic germination.
