Lomandra is a native plant that has been overlooked in the past but is great for foliage in the garden. It is a grass-like plant belonging to the Black Boy family (Xanthorrhoeacea). Its flowers are yellow and perfumed.
Common name: Lomandra
Botanic name: Lomandra spp.
Climate: Will grow in most areas of Australia
Attractive strap-like foliage that grows to over 1m (3′) tall and 1.2m (4′) high
Spiny yellow flower spikes that are perfumed with a sort of pineapple scent
Hardy native plant, tolerant of dry conditions
Border plant in a native garden
Mass planting for large scale landscaping such as roadsides
Full sun to partial shade in extreme heat
Well-drained, fairly poor soil
Propagate from seed or by division and once established requires little care
Protect from frost
Lomandras are available Australia-wide from your local native plant nursery and cost around $8 for a 15cm (6″) pot.