Tasman flax-lily facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tasman flax-lily |
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| Dianella tasmanica (artist:W.H.Fitch) | |
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The Dianella tasmanica, also known as the Tasman Flax-lily or Tasmanian Flax-lily, is a plant that looks like a grass. It grows in southeastern Australia, including Tasmania. This plant has long leaves that can reach up to 80 centimeters (about 31 inches). Its flower stem can grow even taller, up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet).
In spring and summer, you can see its pretty blue flowers. After the flowers, small violet berries appear. The Tasman Flax-lily is a popular plant in Australian gardens because it's easy to grow. However, it's important to know that its fruit is toxic, unlike the fruit of some other similar plants.
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What's in a Name?
Scientists give every plant a special name. The Dianella tasmanica was first described in 1858. A famous English botanist and explorer named Joseph Dalton Hooker gave it this name.
The first part of its name, Dianella, comes from the Roman goddess Diana. The -ella part means "small." The second part, tasmanica, tells us it's found in Tasmania.
What Does It Look Like?
The Dianella tasmanica is a plant that grows in clumps. It can reach between 0.5 and 2 meters (1 to 7 feet) tall and wide. It has thick roots that spread underground.
Its leaves are green and long, like straps. They can be up to 1 meter (40 inches) long and 1.5 to 4 centimeters wide. The edges of the leaves have tiny teeth.
Small blue flowers, about 1.5 centimeters (0.5 inches) across, bloom from August to February. After the flowers, you'll see small, round, violet berries. These berries are about 1.2 centimeters (0.5 inches) wide. Remember, these berries are toxic and should never be eaten.
Where Does It Grow?
You can find the Dianella tasmanica in southeastern Australia. It grows in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. This plant likes to grow in shady spots. It prefers wet forests, either by itself or in groups.
Growing Your Own Tasman Flax-lily
The Dianella tasmanica is a tough plant. People have grown it in gardens and pots in Australia for many years. It likes shady places and needs regular water to grow well.
You can even grow it indoors if you have a bright spot. There are different types of this plant. One is called "Rainbow" and has colorful leaves. Another, "Little Devil," is a smaller, compact version. There's also a type that can handle salty conditions and has reddish leaves.
Images for kids
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Its green leaves look like straps.
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The plant has tall flower stems.
