Lomandra longifolia 080503-6767
Jenolan Caves, New South Wales -- on rocky ridge above caves south of Lucas Rocks.
One of the most common monocots of higher rainfall areas of south-eastern Australia. Easily recognized by its tough, flat or slightly concave leaves with distinctively 2- or 3-toothed apices. Rather variable, it has many regional forms and ecotypes. Inflorescences of this species have many spiny bracts, while all Lomandras have male and female flowers on different plants.
The taxonomic position of genus Lomandra has puzzled generations of botanists. It was even once included in Juncaceae, then in Liliaceae, later in Xanthorrhoeaceae, then Dasypogonaceae, more recently in a family of its own Lomandraceae, and finally in Laxmanniaceae, a placement supported by molecular and anatomical evidence. in APGII Laxmanniaceae includes 15 mostly Australian genera but also Cordyline.
Lomandra longifolia 080503-6767
Jenolan Caves, New South Wales -- on rocky ridge above caves south of Lucas Rocks.
One of the most common monocots of higher rainfall areas of south-eastern Australia. Easily recognized by its tough, flat or slightly concave leaves with distinctively 2- or 3-toothed apices. Rather variable, it has many regional forms and ecotypes. Inflorescences of this species have many spiny bracts, while all Lomandras have male and female flowers on different plants.
The taxonomic position of genus Lomandra has puzzled generations of botanists. It was even once included in Juncaceae, then in Liliaceae, later in Xanthorrhoeaceae, then Dasypogonaceae, more recently in a family of its own Lomandraceae, and finally in Laxmanniaceae, a placement supported by molecular and anatomical evidence. in APGII Laxmanniaceae includes 15 mostly Australian genera but also Cordyline.