Doryanthes Excelsa
Doryanthes excelsa
Doryanthes excelsa, the Gymea Lily, is one of Australia's most dramatic and awe-inspiring native plants, endemic to the coastal sandstone regions of New South Wales near Sydney. From a massive rosette of sword-like leaves it sends up a flowering spike that can reach 6 metres tall, crowned by a globe of brilliant red trumpet flowers. It carries profound significance in Eora and Dharawal tradition and symbolizes aspiration, courage, and the breathtaking ambition of nature itself.
Doryanthaceae (Gymea Lily family; one of only two species in the family)
Late winter to spring (August to November in Australia); fire stimulates synchronised and more prolific flowering
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: red silk cotton flowers and erythrina crista-gallis also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Doryanthes excelsa derives its common name Gymea from kai'mia, the Eora and Dharawal Aboriginal name for the plant, anglicised over time to Gymea. The Sydney suburbs of Gymea and Gymea Bay are named after the lily in recognition of how abundant it once was in the region. In Dharawal tradition, mythology imbues the plant with deep spiritual meaning: one version of the story tells of Kai'mia, a brave warrior whose blood gave rise to the plant, making it a symbol of courage and harmony with the land. The plant also acted as a seasonal indicator for Aboriginal communities, signalling the arrival of whales and the time for coastal fishing activities. The genus name Doryanthes is from the Greek dory meaning "spear" and anthos meaning "flower," a perfect description of the towering, spear-like inflorescence. The species name excelsa is Latin for "lofty" or "distinguished." Doryanthes excelsa was first formally described in 1802 from a specimen collected by explorer George Bass, and today it is treasured both as a spectacular ornamental plant and as a living emblem of the cultural landscape of coastal New South Wales.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; adapts well to a range of light conditions but flowers best in a sunny, open position
Water
Keep well watered during the growing season. The plant's underground stem is gradually pulled deeper by contracting roots during dry periods; deep soil and consistent watering during establishment are essential. Once established it is reasonably drought tolerant but benefits from supplementary watering in summer. Avoid waterlogging.
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Clay Loam, Sandstone-derived soils; acidic (pH approximately 4.1); prefers deep soil to accommodate the contracting root system
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in deep, well-drained, acidic soil in a position where the tall flower spike can be appreciated; below a raised viewing area is ideal
Apply a small amount of blood and bone or a slow-release fertiliser in spring only; avoid over-fertilising
Remove spent flower heads after flowering by cutting the scape close to the base; do not remove the healthy leaf rosette
Propagate by division of established clumps or from fresh seed sown in autumn; seed-grown plants will not flower for approximately 8 years
Foliage is frost hardy; flowering buds should be protected from heavy frost with hessian or a cover if seed collection is planned
Controlled burning or simulated fire (removal of dead leaf material) encourages more prolific flowering the following spring
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Spectacular feature specimen in large native, contemporary, and coastal gardens
- Sited below an elevated patio or deck so the towering flower spike can be appreciated at eye level
- Windbreak and bold architectural planting at the back of wide garden borders
- Wildlife garden attracting nectar-feeding birds including honeyeaters and lorikeets
- Cut foliage; the sword-like leaves are used in large floral arrangements
- Large container growing (at least 50 cm diameter) though potted plants may not flower
Traditional Uses
- Aboriginal peoples of the Sydney Basin and Dharawal country roasted the young stems (harvested when approximately 0.5 m tall and arm-thick) for consumption as a food source
- Roots were roasted and processed into flat cakes eaten cold; recorded among Aboriginal communities in the Lake Macquarie district as early as 1836
- The sweet nectar from the flowers was consumed directly to quench thirst; honeyeater birds attracted to the nectar were also netted and eaten as a protein source
- Leaf fibres were woven into strong ropes used in rescuing trapped clan members and as general cordage; also used for making brushes and mats
- Occasional application of stem material was recorded to alleviate pain from bluebottle jellyfish stings
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Doryanthes Excelsa
Where does the name Gymea Lily come from?
The name Gymea Lily comes from kai'mia, the word for the plant in the Eora and Dharawal Aboriginal languages of the Sydney region. This name was anglicised over time to "Gymea." The Sydney suburbs of Gymea and Gymea Bay are named after the lily because the plant was once abundant in those coastal sandstone areas.
How tall does the Gymea Lily flower spike grow?
The flowering scape (spike) of Doryanthes excelsa can grow up to 6 metres tall, making it one of the tallest flower spikes of any plant in Australia. The scape grows from the centre of the leaf rosette during winter and carries a large, globe-shaped cluster of brilliant red trumpet flowers at its tip. Flower spikes on plants in large landscape settings regularly reach 3 to 5 metres.
What does Doryanthes excelsa (Gymea Lily) symbolize?
Doryanthes excelsa symbolizes aspiration, courage, and the soaring ambition to reach great heights. Its towering flower spike, rising 6 metres above its leaf rosette, embodies the idea of striving upward toward far-reaching goals. In Dharawal tradition it is associated with the brave warrior Kai'mia and represents courage and harmony with the land.
Does the Gymea Lily flower every year?
No, Doryanthes excelsa does not necessarily flower every year. An established plant flowers irregularly, and the timing is strongly influenced by fire: plants in areas that have experienced bushfire typically produce a dramatically more prolific flower display in the following spring. In garden cultivation, removing dead leaf material from the base of the plant simulates this effect and can encourage flowering.
How long does it take for a Gymea Lily to flower from seed?
Gymea Lilies grown from seed are famously slow to reach flowering maturity. Even under ideal conditions, seed-grown plants typically take around 8 years before producing their first flower spike. For this reason, most gardeners prefer to purchase established nursery specimens or propagate new plants by dividing offsets from established clumps.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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