New Zealand Blueberry / Turutu

Botanical name: Dianella nigra
Synonyms: Dianella intermedia var. norfolkensis

Common name(s): New Zealand Blueberry, Turutu, Inkberry

About:
Dianella nigra is an attractive evergreen native perennial valued for its graceful, arching foliage, delicate greenish-white flowers and striking metallic violet-blue berries. It forms loose to dense clumps from creeping rhizomes and thrives across a wide range of habitats throughout New Zealand. The colourful berries provide excellent ornamental value while attracting native birds.

Natural habitat:
Occurs naturally from coastal headlands and gumland scrub through forest margins, open forest, wetlands, peat bogs, geothermal areas and montane shrublands, occasionally reaching subalpine environments.

Growing environment:
Thrives in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soils but tolerates a wide range of conditions, including moist sites. Once established it is hardy, frost tolerant and suitable for most New Zealand climates.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Widespread throughout the North and South Islands, extending from coastal areas to around 1,100 metres above sea level.

Height:
30–80 cm

Width:
40–80 cm

Flowering:
November–December

Fruiting:
December–May

Uses:
• Native woodland and forest gardens
• Mass planting and groundcover
• Coastal gardens
• Restoration projects
• Underplanting beneath trees
• Excellent bird-attracting plant
• Container planting

Appearance:
Growth habit:
An evergreen, loosely tufted perennial forming dense to open clumps from spreading underground rhizomes.

Leaves:
Long, arching strap-like leaves measuring 25–80 cm long and 12–18 mm wide. The foliage is green to dark green with darker leaf margins, often gracefully drooping. Leaf edges may be smooth or slightly rough to the touch.

Flowers:
Small nodding flowers about 1 cm across are produced on tall branched stems rising well above the foliage. The petals are white with green midribs while the sepals are olive-green, often flushed with reddish-brown. Flowers open in the morning and close by late afternoon.

Fruit:
One of New Zealand’s most ornamental native berries. The fleshy berries mature from greyish-white to glossy violet-blue and are oval to oblong in shape. Although attractive, they should not be considered edible for people.

Ecology:
The colourful berries are dispersed by native birds, particularly silvereyes, helping the plant spread naturally through forests and scrub. It readily colonises disturbed sites and contributes to healthy native ecosystems.

Associated habitats:
Coastal scrub, gumland, wetlands, peat bogs, forest margins, podocarp and broadleaf forest, geothermal areas, stream margins and montane shrubland.

How to grow:
Plant in full sun or partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Although it tolerates dry periods once established, it performs best with regular moisture during prolonged dry weather. Remove old foliage as required to maintain a tidy appearance.

Propagation:
Very easily propagated by dividing established clumps or by sowing fresh seed. Seedlings establish readily under suitable conditions.

Cultural use:
Known by several Māori names including turutu, piopio, pēpepe and rēua. Traditionally, the leaves were used for bird calling. The vivid berries are culturally recognised, although they are not regarded as a food plant.

Garden value:
A versatile and reliable landscaping plant that provides year-round structure, attractive foliage and spectacular blue berries. It performs well beneath trees, along pathways, in native borders and restoration plantings, while also providing an important food source for native birds during fruiting season.