Family: Asphodelaceae
Dianella
Citation:
Lam. ex A.L. Juss., Gen. Pl. 41 (1789).
Derivation: Diminutive of Diana, the goddess of hunting.
Synonymy: Not Applicable Common name: Flax-lilies.
Description:
Perennials, with rigid stems and long distichous mostly basal leaves, with long sheaths; rootstock with fibrous roots, often fleshy outside and sometimes tuberous.
Flowers pedicellate, paniculate; perianth blue, persistent, of 6 free segments, each with 3-7 parallel nerves; stamens 6, filaments thickened near the anthers which are latrorse and opening extrorsely in terminal pores which often continue downward as slits; ovary 3-celled, with 2-12 ovules in each cell; style slender with a capitate stigma.
Fruit a globular or oblong bluish berry; seeds black, shining.
Distribution:
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20-30 species from Asia and Australia to Polynesia and Hawaii.
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Biology:
No text
Key to Species:
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1. Anthers light-yellow; leaf blade flat; leaf dorsi-ventral throughout its length |
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D. longifolia 1. |
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1. Anthers nearly black; leaf blade with revolute margins, more or less isobilateral at the junction with the sheath |
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D. revoluta 2. |
Author:
Revised by R. J. F. Henderson
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