Doryanthus palmeri
(Gymea Lily, Giant Spear Lily) A plant for large gardens.
This Australian native grows huge with a flower spike that can reach 9m in height. The leaves are often over 2m when at the flowering size. Seeds are the size of a flattened bean seed. A beneficial plant for anyone looking to get into permaculture, edible landscaping, or survival gardening. It's one of my top-selling seeds in the store and a straightforward no-nonsense plant with a truly phenomenal flower. They are a great multipurpose plant that can be used for eating, cooking, sewing, weaving and fishing. On top of all of those uses, they also attract native birds when blooming!
Germination
They need light to germinate so sow them with only a shallow
covering of gravel or course sand to hold them down. Seeds take 4-8 weeks to germinate, best to keep the tray above 20°C for the
duration. Seedlings grow rapidly and are very hardy and can be
planted in the garden after 12 months. They withstand frosts so
should be suitable for most areas. Don’t expect flowers for at least
six years.Approximate minimum seed count per pack
10 seeds
Uses
uses -
Leaves are used to wrap meat or veggies for cooking on hot coals. Paperbark is used for the external layer.
The young spear shaft when about 1ft long and arm thickness can be cooked.
Roots and younger bulbs can be cooked.
Brushes- core fibre from leaf stem, (mid-rib) pounded makes brushes far better than bought ones.
Matting- the large entire leaf or strips.
Ropes- leaf strips, mid-rib fibres. Scraping leaf strips exposes fibres for fine cordage.
Spearfishing- shafts made from Gymea flower stem rebound and float.