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Dianella nigra Turutu, Inkberry

April 25th 2004

Dianella nigra Turutu, Inkberry


Often mistaken for a small flax, this attractive plant is common in northern forests and has made its way into in many ornamental gardens. It forms dense tufts to 50cm. tall. It survives in a variety of habitats from gumlands to forest. 
Its most obvious feature is its indigo coloured berries that appear in autumn. They can be simply shaken from the plant when mature.
The seeds should germinate a month or two after been sown on a fine seed sowing mix. Do not overwater.
Dianella nigra

The beautiful flowers usually open in the morning.
 
If you wish to learn more about native plants I suggest one of these natural history books from fishpond

Life-size Guide to New Zealand Native Ferns: Featuring the Caterpillars Which Feed on ThemA Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New ZealandGardener's Encyclopaedia of NZ Native PlantsTrees and Shrubs of New ZealandThe Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Native Trees

Bookstore

 

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