Doryanthes palmeri

Giant spear lily
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Doryanthaceae
Genus: Doryanthes
Species:
D. palmeri
Binomial name
Doryanthes palmeri

Doryanthes palmeri, also known as the giant spear lily, is one of only two species of plant in the genus Doryanthes and the family Doryanthaceae, both being endemic to eastern Australia. It grows in a rosette and the leaves can reach the length of about 3 m (10 ft). The flowers arise in springtime on a stalk which may reach 5 m (16 ft) in height.[1] A succulent perennial, its leaves are hairless and grow in the shape of a sword. The giant spear lily is listed as Vulnerable under the New South Wales Threatened Species Act (1995).[2]

Doryanthes palmeri is grown as an ornamental plant. It does not tolerate frosts, so in temperate zones it requires protection during the winter months. It requires a sheltered position in full sun.[3]

  1. ^ "Botanica. The Illustrated AZ of over 10000 garden plants and how to cultivate them", p. 312. Könemann, 2004. ISBN 3-8331-1253-0
  2. ^ NSW National Parks
  3. ^ "Doryanthes palmeri". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 5 March 2021.