Gymnostachys anceps
settler's flax
Overview
Gymnostachys anceps is an evergreen perennial forming dense clumps of long, narrow, strap-like leaves 24-60 inches (60-150 cm) long and about 0.4-0.8 inch (10-20 mm) wide, arising from a stout rhizome. The leaves are tough, leathery, and dark green, with a raised midrib, and were once stripped for cordage by early settlers. Flowering stems rise above the foliage, two-edged and to 6.5 feet (2 m) tall, carrying many small greenish flowers in slender spikes. The flowers are followed by small blue to blue-black berries about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) long, eaten and dispersed by birds. Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer. Growth is slow to moderate, and clumps spread gradually by the rhizome. The plant tolerates deep shade and periods of dry soil once established. The tough leaves are long-lived, and old leaves persist until they break down, which can give clumps an untidy look without occasional clearing.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Victoria through New South Wales to Queensland. Grows in the shaded understorey of rainforest, wet eucalypt forest, and along watercourses on moist, fertile soils.Suggested Uses
Planted in shaded borders, rainforest and woodland gardens, and along watercourses, spaced 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart. Used as a hardy clumping foliage plant in dry shade and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). The bird-dispersed berries can produce seedlings in surrounding beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 6'6"
Width/Spread2' - 3'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to deep shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soils with regular water. Established clumps tolerate periods of dry soil but keep better foliage with steady moisture. The plant grows in full sun in cooler districts if kept moist, though leaves may yellow in strong sun. Fertiliser needs are moderate, matching its fertile forest soils. Slugs and snails graze new growth in damp shade. Clumps are long-lived and need little routine care.Pruning
Old and damaged leaves are cut at the base as they brown to keep clumps tidy. Spent flower stems are removed once the berries finish or left for birds. Crowded clumps are divided in spring when they outgrow their space.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons