Botanical name:

Dianella nigra

Common name(s):

NZ Blueberry, Turutu, Inkberry

About:

A small flax-like plant that is native to the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. It features rich green, narrow leaves, along with delicate white or blue flowers and attractive blue berries that emerge during the warm summer months. This species is commonly found naturally in open forests and along riverbanks, making it an excellent choice as an understudy or as a graceful addition to a garden setting.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane (rarely subalpine) (1-1100 m a.s.l.). Colonising a wide variety of habitats from open coastal headlands, gum-land scrub and less frequently peat bogs through to dense forest and subalpine scrub.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun & Drought tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North and South Islands

Height: 0.3m

Flowering:

November – December with a green or white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December - May

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & flowers

How to grow:

Easily grown from the division of whole plants and from fresh seed.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though