Gymea Lily

~ Doryanthes excelsa ~

DORYANTHACEAE

This striking plant holds deep spiritual value and cultural importance for the Koori People of the southeast Nations. The Koori culture is characterised by its commitment to the Dreaming and its values of interconnectedness between the land and people. The Lily’s big showy red blooms attract many honey-eating visitors including Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus moluccanus) and Lewin’s Honeyeaters (Meliphaga lewinii), and its large seeds are eaten by Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) and the delightful Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia tricolor).

WHERE TO LOOK

Endemic to coastal north-east New South Wales, the Gymea Lily occurs in woodland and dry sclerophyll forest in coastal areas.

Locations → NSW: Royal National Park, Forest Walk to Sublime Point Track in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Fishermans Bay Foreshore.

FEATURES

The Gymea Lily’s red, trumpet-like, waxy flowers are around 25cm wide and occur in clusters atop a long spear-like stem that can grow to an incredible 6m tall. The blooms can also be seen dressed in a rare white. The leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant and are thick, leathery and sword-like, measuring 1.5m tall and 10cm wide. Many flat, winged seeds sit in a woody three-celled capsule, which ripens and splits at the end of summer.

FLOWERING SEASON

Spring → These showy blooms can be seen from October to November.

TRADITIONAL USES

The Gymea Lily has been used as a food source for the First Nations People of the south-east. The roots are mashed into a pulp and made into a type of cake that is eaten cold. The flower spikes can be roasted and the sweet nectar produced from the flowers consumed.

PLANTING

The Gymea Lily is a hardy and adaptable plant, and seeds and tube stock are widely available. Propagate by seed or clump division of healthy, mature plants. Pre-treat the seeds by covering them in warm water and soak overnight. Germination occurs around 21 to 28 days; however, the plant may not flower for up to eight years. Each plant grows from a thickened underground stem, which is gradually pulled deeper and deeper into the ground by the roots contracting during periods of dry weather, so a deep soil is best to plant in. Flowering can be encouraged by fire and by carefully placing a stone in the centre of the rosette; it actually helps the plant to flower by stimulating the production of a plant hormone called ethylene.