lily, giant

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

– , or Spear


– , n.

a fibre plant, Doryanthes excelsa, Corr., N.O. Amaryllideae.

1860. G. Bennett, `Gatherings of a Naturalist,' p. 339:

«The Doryanthes excelsa, a gigantic Lily of Australia, is amagnificent plant, with a lofty flowering spike. The bunchesor clusters of crimson flowers are situated in the summit ofthe flowering spike . . . The diameter of a cluster ofblossoms is about 14 inches . . . The flower-buds are of abrilliant crimson, and the anthers of the stamens are, in therecently expanded flower, of a dark-green colour.»

1889. J. H. Maiden, `Useful Native Plants,' p. 621:

«`Spear Lily.' `Giant Lily.' The leaves are a mass of fibre,of great strength, which admits of preparation either byboiling or maceration, no perceptible difference as to qualityor colour being apparent after heckling. Suitable for brushmaking, matting, etc.»

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