Propagation
Sow seed when ripe in pots and place in an open frame to germinate and keep moist. The seeds are viable but germination may be difficult.

Division of the rhizome after flowering.

Culture
Under cultivation care should be taken not to wet the leaves as this encourages ink disease. It may be difficult to grow in the humid eastern states of Australia, preferring a mediterranean climate.


Botanic information
Leaf: The grey green broad-lanceolate leaves are sheathed at the base with an acuminate apex and are up to 12 mm (1in) wide.

Flower: The black and green tubulate flowers have deeply divided reflexed petals on one side that are densely covered in black hairs. They are arranged in a terminal spike that is held above the foliage on a slender hairy-black scape that is up to 1.8 m (6 ft) tall and appear from late winter to early summer.

Fruit: The small fruit is a 3-celled capsule and the tiny seeds are not normally used. The plant is normally reproduces vegetatively.