Dianella prunina (Blueberry Lily)

Dianella prunina is a striking rhizomatous lily-herb native to New South Wales. It forms tufted leaves on elevated stems, producing tall, eye-catching inflorescences that can reach up to 2 metres in height. The plant typically grows in sandstone-based heathlands, shrublands, and dry sclerophyll forests, with a natural range from Wollemi National Park southwards to Sydney, extending west to Lithgow and Katoomba, and occasional populations in Bundanoon.

Leaves are alternate to clustered along the stem, linear to subulate, and prominently blue-grey (glaucous), up to 90 cm long and 4 cm wide. The bases of the leaves are occluded, where the leaf halves are folded and joined lengthwise—a key identification feature. Flowers are elevated above the foliage on cymose, panicle-like inflorescences. Individual flowers are mid-blue to dark violet, approximately 20 mm wide, with six tepals and prominent yellow filaments with brown-yellow to deep blue anthers.

Fruits are fleshy, purple to blue-purple berries, around 8 mm long, adding ornamental and ecological value to gardens. Dianella prunina is a hardy, low-maintenance species suited for native gardens, rockeries, and naturalistic plantings where vertical structure and color contrast are desired.