Duma florulenta (Meisn.) T.M.Schust.

Species Naming and Growth Form

Duma florulenta, commonly known as lignum, is a perennial dioecious shrub that grows up to 2.5 m tall.

Branch Structure

It produces a great number of thin, intertwined, tangled branches and branchlets that form dense thickets that exclude other plant species.

Leaf Dimensions

Its thin, narrow leaves measure 15–70 mm long and 2–10 mm wide.

Stem Characteristics

Grey-green stems often end in a sharp point.

Flower Features and Blooming Period

Flowers are small, range in color from cream to yellowish, and grow either solitary or clustered along branchlets, blooming through most of the year.

Fruit Description

The fruit is dry, top-shaped, and approximately 5 mm long.

Leaf Phenology

Lignum often appears leafless: leaves grow on new young growth, but die off quickly, especially during dry conditions.

Growth Response to Moisture

It produces new leaves and shoots very rapidly in response to rainfall or flooding.

Root System

This species has an extremely deep root system that penetrates at least 3 m into the soil.

Stress Tolerance and Indicator Use

It is highly tolerant of both salinity and drought, and can be used as an indicator of dryland soil salinity.

Native Wildlife Habitat Value

Due to its densely tangled growth habit, it provides protected breeding habitat for native wildlife such as waterbirds.

Pest Species Refuge Role

However, it can also act as refuge for pest species including feral pigs, foxes, and rabbits.

Geographic Distribution

Lignum is found across all mainland Australian states and the Northern Territory.

Preferred Habitats

It prefers habitats including floodplains, swamps, gilgais, and other areas that flood intermittently.

Associated Vegetation

In southern Australia, it is commonly associated with stands of river red gum and black box.

Cultural Historical Use

During the Stolen Generations, the long period when the Australian government forcibly removed children from their Aboriginal parents, Walmajarri people hid themselves and their children within the dense tangled branches of lignum to avoid detection by police.