Dianella amoena

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Dianella amoena
Dianella amoena (24702409710).jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Hemerocallidoideae
Genus: Dianella
Species:
D. amoena
Binomial name
Dianella amoena
G.W.Carr & P.F.Horsfall

Dianella amoena, commonly known as the matted flax-lily, is an endangered, herbaceous, perennial plant endemic to Australia. [1] [2] [3] It belongs to the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae. It has long grey-green leaves which grow in clumps from an underground rhizome, and displays blue-purple flowers in spring-summer, up to 90 cm in height. [1] The common name Matted Flax-lily refers to its extensively rhizomatous nature, sometimes forming large mats up to 5m wide. [1]

Contents

Description

The slender, grey-green leaves of Dianella amoena have a V-shaped cross section, and generally exhibit peg-like projections or “teeth” along the leaf midrib and margins. [1] It is clonal, meaning one plant or colony consists of multiple genetically identical ramets connected via a rhizome, and it is capable of both vegetative (asexual), and sexual reproduction. [1] Shoots can appear up to 30 cm apart along rhizomes, but usually less. [1] Inflorescences are 20–90 cm high and consist of a slender scape with fragrant flowers with blue-purple tepals and yellow stamens, which develop into dark blue-purple fruits following buzz pollination by native bees. [1] It is partially summer deciduous when water stressed, but can flower from October to April in favourable conditions. [4] [1]

Taxonomy

Dianella amoena was first described in 1995 by G.W Carr and P.F. Horsfall. [1] Before being formally described, known populations were referred to as Dianella. sp. nov. (Nutfield). [1] Its specific epithet comes from the Latin amoenus, meaning beautiful or pleasing. [1] This is in reference to the plant's appearance, particularly the fragrant, colourful flowers which are in the upper size range for Dianella. [1]

A phylogenetic study of Dianella taxa using combined chloroplast DNA and nuclear DNA placed Dianella amoena samples among some members of the Dianella longifolia species complex and Dianella tarda , Dianella porracea , and Dianella crinoides , suggesting these taxa to be its closer relatives in the genus. [5] However, many nodes in the molecular phylogeny were poorly supported. [5] Further molecular and morphological research was suggested to resolve relationships among these taxa, and no taxonomic changes were advised. [5]

Distribution and habitat

Dianella amoena inhabits grassland and grassy woodland ecosystems, often on volcanic soils. [1] It has a sparse distribution across south-eastern Australia, mostly in the states of Victoria and Tasmania, with some records extending the range into New South Wales. [6] [7] The species exists in small fragments of its original range in roadsides, railways, and urban nature reserves, often in degraded habitats. [1] [4] Recruitment is believed to be non-existent, but it is long-lived and persists in remnant clonal patches. [1]

Conservation

Dianella amoena is listed as "Endangered" under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 federal legislation. [8] It is listed as "Critically Endangered" under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 state legislation in Victoria, [9] and "Rare" under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 state legislation in Tasmania. [8] The main threats to the species are weed invasion, habitat disturbance, mowing and grazing. [4] A recovery plan was prepared in 2010, and estimated 1,400 plants remained over 120 locations, however the plan considered Dianella amoena endemic to Victoria as records outside of Victoria were limited at the time. [4] A more recent population estimate considering the entire range of the species is unavailable. The extensively rhizomatous nature of the species makes accurate population estimation difficult, as genetically distinct plants cannot be easily distinguished. [4] The species has also been subject to numerous translocations, both for conservation and development mitigation purposes, which may have impacted total population size. [10] [8] [4]

Uses

Some plants in the Dianella genus have edible fruits, [11] while others are considered poisonous. [12] [13] Aboriginal peoples ate the fruits of some Dianella species historically, and used the leaves for weaving. [14] [11] Information regarding Dianella amoena specifically is unavailable as it has only been formally recognised since 1995.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asphodelaceae</span> Family of flowering plants in the order Asparagales

Asphodelaceae is a family of flowering plants in the order Asparagales. Such a family has been recognized by most taxonomists, but the circumscription has varied widely. In its current circumscription in the APG IV system, it includes about 40 genera and 900 known species. The type genus is Asphodelus.

<i>Dianella</i> (plant) Genus of flowering plants

Dianella is a genus of about forty species of flowering plants in the monocot family Asphodelaceae, commonly known as flax lilies. Plants in this genus are tufted herbs with more or less linear leaves and bisexual flowers with three sepals more or less similar to three petals and a superior ovary, the fruit a berry. They occur in Africa, South-east Asia, the Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Australia.

<i>Dianella tasmanica</i> Species of flowering plant

Dianella tasmanica, commonly known as the Tasman flax-lily or Tasmanian flax-lily is a herbaceous strappy perennial herb of the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae, found in southeastern Australia including Tasmania. It has leaves to 80 cm, and a flower stem to 1.5 m. Blue flowers in spring and summer are followed by violet berries. It adapts readily to cultivation and is commonly seen in Australian gardens. Unlike other Dianella species, its fruit is toxic.

<i>Dianella caerulea</i> Species of flowering plant

Dianella caerulea, commonly known as the blue flax-lily, blueberry lily, or paroo lily, is a perennial herb of the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae, found across the eastern states of Australia and Tasmania. It is a hardy plant, growing to a height and width of around 1 meter with grass-like strappy leaves. Blue flowers in spring and summer are followed by indigo-coloured berries. It adapts readily to cultivation and is commonly seen in Australian gardens and amenities plantings.

<i>Stypandra</i> Species of plant

Stypandra is a small genus of rhizomatous perennials in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae. They are native to Australia and New Caledonia.

<i>Tricoryne</i> Genus of flowering plants

Tricoryne is a genus of perennial herbs in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae. All species are native to Australia with two species extending to New Guinea; within Australia they occur in all 6 states and the Northern Territory.

  1. Tricoryne ancepsR.Br. - New Guinea, Queensland
  2. Tricoryne corynothecoidesKeighery - Western Australia
  3. Tricoryne elatiorR.Br. - Yellow Rush-lily - all 6 states plus Northern Territory
  4. Tricoryne humilisEndl. - Western Australia
  5. Tricoryne muricataBaker - Queensland
  6. Tricoryne platypteraRchb.f - New Guinea, Queensland
  7. Tricoryne simplexR.Br. - New South Wales
  8. Tricoryne tenellaR.Br. - Mallee Rush-lily - Western Australia, South Australia
<i>Caesia</i> Genus of flowering plants

Caesia is a genus of herbs in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae, native to Australia, New Guinea, Madagascar and Southern Africa. The mostly 3-lobed seed capsules contain rounded black seeds. The genus was named in honour of Federico Cesi (1585-1630), an Italian scientist.

<i>Simethis</i> Genus of flowering plants

Simethis is a genus of plants in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae. It contains only one known species, Simethis mattiazzii, commonly called the Kerry lily.

<i>Thelionema</i> Genus of flowering plants

Thelionema is a small genus of tufted perennials in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae. All three species, which were previously placed in the genus Stypandra, are native to Australia. These are:

<i>Dianella revoluta</i> Species of flowering plant

Dianella revoluta, commonly known as blueberry lily, blue flax-lily, or black-anther flax-lily, a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae and is endemic to, and widespread in Australia. It is a tufted, perennial herb with grass-like leaves and up to nine blue or violet flowers with six tepals, and stamens with bright yellow filaments and pale brown to almost black anthers.

<i>Pelargonium</i> sp. Striatellum Species of flowering plant

Pelargonium sp. Striatellum, commonly known as Omeo stork's-bill, is an undescribed species of Pelargonium that is endemic to Australia. It is listed as "endangered" under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, "endangered" in New South Wales and "vulnerable" in Victoria. It exists in five known locations; four in New South Wales and another in Victoria. Other populations may exist undiscovered on private land.

<i>Caesia parviflora</i> Species of flowering plant

Caesia parviflora, the pale grass lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae, native to Australia, being found in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.

<i>Dianella brevicaulis</i> Species of flowering plant

Dianella brevicaulis, commonly known as the coast flax-lily, is a tufted, rhizomatous, perennial herb with fibrous roots and blue-purple flowers. Its long leaves form a soft, green tussock which conceal the flowering stems. It grows to 0.5 m in height and prefers sandy soils to quite far inland. It is native to southern Australia where it is usually found in coastal and subcoastal habitats and sandy inland ranges.

<i>Corynotheca</i> Genus of flowering plants

Corynotheca is a genus of herbs in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae, first described as a genus in 1878. The entire genus is endemic to Australia.

  1. Corynotheca asperataR.J.F.Hend - Western Australia, Northern Territory
  2. Corynotheca flexuosissimaR.J.F.Hend. - Western Australia
  3. Corynotheca lateriflora(R.Br.) F.Muell. ex Benth. - Northern Territory
  4. Corynotheca licrotaR.J.F.Hend. - Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia
  5. Corynotheca micrantha(Lindl.) Druce - Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia
  6. Corynotheca pungensR.J.F.Hend. - Western Australia
<i>Johnsonia pubescens</i> Species of flowering plant

Johnsonia pubescens, commonly called the pipe lily, is a grass-like plant in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae, endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. As with others in the genus, it is distinguished by its minute flowers which are on the end of a spike and hidden by large, overlapping, papery bracts.

The Asparagales are an order of plants, and on this page the structure of the order is used according to the APG III system. The order takes its name from the family Asparagaceae and is placed in the monocots. The order is clearly circumscribed on the basis of DNA sequence analysis, but is difficult to define morphologically, since its members are structurally diverse. The APG III system is used in World Checklist of Selected Plant Families from the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. With this circumscription, the order consists of 14 families with approximately 1120 genera and 26000 species.

<i>Dianella longifolia</i> Perennial herb

Dianella longifolia, commonly known as blueberry lily, pale flax lily or smooth flax lily, or blue flax-lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae and is endemic to non-arid areas of Australia. It is a tufted, rhizomatous, perennial herb with grass-like leaves, pale blue, white or greenish flowers that have pale yellow anthers, and shiny, pale blue berries.

Dianella brevipedunculata is a species of flax lily native to Eastern Australia. It is known as the blue flax lily.

<i>Dianella ensifolia</i> Species of flax lily

Dianella ensifolia is a flowering plant, of the family Asphodelaceae. It is native to southern China, India, Japan, Madagascar, Malesia, the Pacific Islands, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and tropical Asia. Its common names include umbrella dracaena, common dianella, siak-siak, and flax lily.

<i>Caesia calliantha</i> Species of flowering plant

Caesia calliantha, commonly known as the blue grass lily or blue star lily, is a species of herbaceous flowering plant. It is a member of the Asphodelaceae family, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae, native to Australia found predominantly along the East coast in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Carr, G.W.; Horsfall, P.F. (1995). "Studies in Phormiaceae (Liliaceae) 1: New species and combinations in Dianella Lam. ex Juss". Muelleria. 8 (3): 365–378. doi: 10.5962/p.198465 . S2CID   251005329.
  2. ↑ "Taxonomy browser (Dianella amoena)". www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Center for Biotechnology Information . Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  3. ↑ "Dianella amoena G.W.Carr & P.F.Horsfall". www.gbif.org. GBIF . Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Carter, O. (2010). National recovery plan for the Matted Flax-lily Dianella amoena. Victoria: Department of Sustainability and Environment.
  5. 1 2 3 Muscat, K.M.; Ladiges, P.Y.; Bayly, M.J. (2019). "Molecular phylogenetic relationships reveal taxonomic and biogeographic clades in Dianella (flax lilies; Asphodelaceae, Hemerocallidoideae)". Systematics and Biodiversity. 17 (3): 308–329. Bibcode:2019SyBio..17..308M. doi:10.1080/14772000.2019.1607617. ISSN   1477-2000. S2CID   196674565.
  6. ↑ "Occurrence records. Species: Dianella amoena". The Australasian Virtual Herbarium (AVH). Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  7. ↑ "Dianella amoena G.W.Carr & P.F.Horsfall". Atlas of Living Australia. Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  8. 1 2 3 "Dianella amoena — Matted Flax-lily". Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: Species Profile and Threats Database. Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  9. ↑ State Government of Victoria (2022-01-10). "Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act Threatened List". State Government of Victoria. Retrieved 2022-02-16.
  10. ↑ Silcock, J.L.; Simmons, C.L.; Monks, L.; Dillon, R.; Reiter, N.; Jusaitis, M.; Vesk, P.A.; Byrne, M.; Coates, D.J. (2019). "Threatened plant translocation in Australia: A review". Biological Conservation. 236: 211–222. Bibcode:2019BCons.236..211S. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2019.05.002. hdl: 1885/216628 . S2CID   195381364.
  11. 1 2 Low, T. (1991). Wild food plants of Australia. North Ryde, NSW: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN   0-207-16930-6.
  12. ↑ "Blue flax lily (Dianella) | Queensland Poisons Information Centre". Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service. Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  13. ↑ "Garden plants poisonous to people" (PDF). NSW Department of Primary Industries. 2006. ISSN   1832-6668 . Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  14. ↑ Clarke, P.A. (2014). Discovering Aboriginal Plant Use: The Journeys of an Australian Anthropologist. Kenthurst, NSW.: Rosenberg Publishing. ISBN   978-1-925078-35-0.
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