Cerulean Flax Lily

Dianella ensifolia (L.) DC. syn. Dianella ensata (Sword Leaf Dianella or Cerulean Flax-lily), from family Xanthorrhoeaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae.

It is an evergreen, perennial herb with grass-like leaves growing from a branched, gradually spreading rhizome; stems 60-150 cm long; leaves linear-lanceolate 30-60 cm long and 2-4 cm wide; inflorescence 30-60 cm long; flowers white and bluish, with the segments 6-8 mm long (3 petals, 3 sepals, and prominent yellow stamens); berries shiny blue to purple up to 1.5 cm in diameter, spherical or elongated with spongy pulp and shiny black seeds. Rhizomes, roots, and leaves are used in folkloric medicine.

The plant ranges from Southern tropical Africa, through tropical and subtropical Asia to Indonesia and the Philippines, in tropical Australia and in Polynesia. In the Philippines, it is found in the wild in light forests at low altitudes in Palawan, Panay, Jolo, Bucas Grande and Mindanao.