Doryanthus excelsa

Hardy, low maintenance plant with grey-green long ribbed sword-like leaves which form in rosettes.The flowering stalk can grow to five metres tall. Flowers are red or reddish-orange in spring. Flowering can be brought on by bushfires, which also promotes the sprouting of root bulbs. Roasted Doryanthes flower spikes were used as a food source for Indigenous Australians and the roots were mashed into a pulp and made into cakes. Occurring naturally along the central coast of New South Wales. They are xerophytes, meaning that they have adapted to dry conditions. It is suited to most soil types. Best in full sun.