dnaoodb: professional biology database , biology encyclopedia
in biology, Cordyline stricta (Latin:Cordyline stricta (Sims) Endl. )is a genus of about 24 species of woody monocotyledonous flowering plants in family Asparagaceae, subfamily Lomandroideae. Cordyline stricta has narrow, strappy leaves 30-50cm long and 1-2.5cm wide, which tend to be crowded near the top of the stem and leaving scars. There is no distinction between a leaf blade and petiole. When grown in the garden it can reach about 5m high, with highly branched stems that can sprawl or arch. It remains around 2-3m tall when grown in pots, and has a sparser, more compact growth habit.
Cordyline stricta is already a popular ornamental plant. It can grow in sun or shade, and in shallow or deep soils. Though it thrives in moist conditions, it is very drought tolerant; so an established plant should require little supplemental watering. It is frost-tender, so in cold climates it should be placed under cover or near a northeast-facing wall. If it is damaged by frost or desiccation, it can resprout when conditions are better. Its tolerance of low light and water also make it an attractive and low-maintenance potplant for indoors or outdoors.
Cordyline stricta usually flowers in summer, though it can reportedly flower earlier in the year. It produces 8-10mm pale purple flowers on panicles 20-40 cm long. The flowers are followed by 10-15mm black berries. It is the only Australian species of Cordyline to have black berries, so they are a useful diagnostic feature.
Cordyline stricta is easily propagated by seeds or cuttings, and it can easily reproduce itself by self-sowing or layering if the conditions are sufficiently moist. This does mean that it has some potential to take over gardens, so it may need to be controlled if it gets out of hand. It is not recommended for growing in places where it may invade bushland outside its native range. C. stricta does not appear to be susceptible to damage by pests or diseases, but it is a food plant for the Miskin's swift butterfly.
