Murdannia graminea (Commelinaceae) is a small tufting native plant that grows naturally in many parts of Queensland and northern Australia, typically in moist locations within in woodland habitat.
Also known as native Grass Lily, Murdannia graminea was found in flower on Mount Stuart during our April outing this year.
When it’s not in flower, Murdannia graminea is inconspicuous and blends in amongst surrounding plants. Its grass-like linear leaves may die back completely during a long dry season. However, the plant survives due to its thick, fleshy roots, and it re-sprouts quickly when rains return.
This close-up photo of a Murdannia graminea flower reveals its bearded (hairy) stamen filaments and distinctive arrangement of three pollen-bearing stamens and three that do not produce pollen, the latter botanically called staminodes.