Thelionema caespitosum
(R.Br.) R.J.F.Hend. Tufted Blue LilyPlants tufted, to c. 90 cm high. Leaves strongly distichous, linear, closely folded at least toward base, sometimes flat above, 15–55 cm long, 0.4–1.5 cm wide. Inflorescence extending beyond the leaves. Flowers numerous; perianth segments spreading, 9–13 mm, blue, white or pale yellow, longer than stamens; anthers yellow; style 3–5.5 mm long. Capsule ovoid to triquetrous, 5–10 mm long. Seeds c. 2.5–3.5 mm long. Flowers Sep.–Jan.
GleP, VVP, GipP, OtP, WaP, CVU, GGr, DunT, NIS, EGL, EGU, WPro, HSF, HNF, OtR, Strz, MonT, VAlp. Also SA, Qld, NSW, ACT, Tas. Widespread on moist sandy or peaty soils, chiefly in the lowlands, but with elevated, inland occurrences in the Grampians, Mt Buffalo, Wabonga Plateau, Pine Mountain, Wulgulmerang area, Bidwell etc.
Most inland occurrences are white- or cream-flowered and formerly regarded as a distinct variety (var. alba Ewart), but Henderson (1987) considered these to be colour forms within a variable species.
Conran, J.G. (1994). Liliaceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 2, Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons, pp. 637–686. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Spinning
