Destructive act placing 'very cool' native plant at risk

The giant lily spear not only features impressive flowers and habitat value, but was used by First Nations Peoples as a food source.

Inset left, a close up of the native giant lily spear's bright red large flower at the Adelaide botanic gardens. Right, the metre-long red flower bending over off the end of the scape.
There are only a couple hundred native giant lily spears (doryanthes palmeri) growing in NSW's far north east. Source: Verity Snaith from Sydney Wildflower Nursery

Tucked away in thick, lush bushland in a small section of Australia’s east coast, the “bright red” metre-long blooms of the native giant lily spear are hard to miss. The “oversized” vibrant flowers, which can take over a decade to grow, hang from the end of a lengthy scape that eventually bends over — greeting admirers every spring.

However, if you do see one in the wild, you should count yourself lucky. There are only a “few hundred” doryanthes palmeri plants growing naturally across just 11 sites in the far northern corner of NSW, Verity Snaith with Sydney Wildflower Nursery told Yahoo News Australia.

The plant, which is listed as vulnerable in the state, is being threatened by “habitation invasion, weed competition, too frequent and intense fires, climate intensified drought and sometimes, sadly, illegal seed harvesting”, she explained.

The 15-22cm long seeds are contained in an egg-shaped fruit, according to the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.

“D. palmeri can take up to 13 years to flower in the wild, so when the flower heads are picked, damaged or stolen the survival of endemic populations is really hampered,” Ms Snaith said, noting the native is one of only two species of plants in the doryanthaceae family.

A flowering doryanthes palmeri at the Adelaide botanic gardens.
The vulnerable plant is being threatened by habitation invasion, weed competition, fires, drought and illegal seed harvesting. Source: Verity Snaith from Sydney Wildflower Nursery

While the NSW Government is working to improve the giant lily spear’s population, Ms Snaith said Aussies can do their part by planting one in their own backyard — if it’s big enough.

“Their impressive flowers and habitat value, as well as their use by First Nations Peoples of Australia as food source and fibre for weaving make them a special plant to conserve today,” she said.

“The good news is that D. palmeri is a hardy and adaptable plant. It grows from a large bulb-like structure that is buried deep in the soil which allows it to survive through drought and bushfire, and will tolerate cooler climates as far south as Melbourne.”

First Nations Peoples also roasted the D. palmeri’s flower spikes and mashed its roots to create cakes, according to Australian Plants Society NSW.

The native plant, endemic to northeast NSW and southeast Queensland, grows on exposed rocky outcrops and ledges near warm subtropical and temperate rainforests and wet eucalypt forests. It prefers will drained soil and full sun, and responds well to extra watering in drier climates.

The impressive plant not only features bold foliage and “a unique and long-lasting bloom”, but its flower, which can grow up to 120cm, has rich nectar that attracts birds, bees and butterflies, Ms Snaith told Yahoo. They can be container grown, though this will somewhat bonsai the plant.

“Its robust roots assist in soil stabilisation and its large leaves provide shelter and protection to small birds, lizards and frogs, which helps in creating microhabitats in the garden.

“They are a very cool plant!”

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