We’re increasing the number of Matted Flax-lilies in Melbourne’s north east.

The Matted Flax-lily is a flowering plant, found in grass and woodlands in parts of Victoria and Tasmania.

It’s estimated there are between 1400 and 2500 Matted Flax-lily plants in Victoria and the species is listed as critically endangered.

To build North East Link, up to 139 Matted Flax-lily plants will be carefully moved away from construction areas to new locations.

As part of the planting process, each Matted Flax-lily we collect will be split to create multiple new plants – increasing the number of this significant species in Melbourne’s north east.

So far, we’ve collected 130 plants from Simpson Barracks in Yallambie. The first 27 have been split to create more than 100 new plants for planting at Cherry Street Reserve in Macleod this year.

More than 450 Matted Flax-lilies will be planted for North East Link – establishing new populations more than triple the size.

About Cherry Street Reserve

Cherry Street Reserve is one of Darebin’s significant remnant bushland reserves and home to over 120 indigenous plant species, from large river red gums to tiny orchids.

Located just over a kilometre from Simpson Barracks, the 13.5 hectare reserve offers the right kind of conditions for the Matted Flax-lily to thrive.

Maintaining and monitoring the Matted Flax-lilies

The Matted Flax-lilies will be closely monitored for 10 years. During the first month after planting, specialists will visit every week. Visits will then be undertaken monthly, quarterly then every 6 months as the plants become established. During each visit the Matted Flax-lily plants will be counted, measured and have their condition recorded.

Protecting the Matted Flax-lilies

Cherry Street Reserve includes dedicated habitat preservation and restoration areas. There is a current small population of Matted Flax-lilies within the reserve. The Matted Flax-lilies will be planted in an existing conservation area with fence protection. You’ll still be able to access the area, but please remember to keep to walking paths, shut the gate behind you and walk your dog on a lead.

Download the fact sheet to view the map of Cherry Street Reserve (PDF, 524.7 KB)

FAQs

Is splitting Matted Flax-lilies common practice?

Matted Flax-lily plants naturally reproduce by sending out underground shoots called rhizomes – with each shoot growing into a new plant. Carefully dividing rhizomes by hand is a common way to propagate these kinds of plants, including asparagus, bamboo and ginger.

What happens if the re-planting does not work?

Success rates for Matted Flax-lily moved for other projects nearby, including South Morang Rail Extension and Melbourne Wholesale Markets, have been high. We’ll be growing multiple plants from each one we collect and using multiple recipient sites – increasing the number of this significant species in Melbourne’s north east. As a safety net, some plants will remain at a nursery to provide replacement plantings if needed.

How many Matted-Flax lilies will be removed for North East Link?

Extensive site surveys are required before works start and we’ll be collecting and moving every Matted Flax-lily found in work areas. We expect up to 139 Matted Flax-lily plants may need to be salvaged within the project area. The majority of these are at Simpson Barracks and have already been collected ahead of major works starting this year. The remaining plants are found along the Hurstbridge Rail Line and the M80 Ring Road.

More than 450 Matted Flax-lilies will be re-planted for North East Link – more than 3 times as many as collected.

Where will the rest of the Matted Flax-lilies be planted?

We’re working closely with Parks Victoria for more Matted Flax-lily planting next year at Gresswell Forest in Watsonia.

This information is current at the time of publication, however changes may occur. Please visit our website for the latest updates.