Doryanthes excelsa.
The only other species, it is known as the Gymea, Spear or Flame lily.
It is said to be the more commonly seen in cultivation.
A native, it is found in the central coast of New South Wales.
The leaves in the basal rosette are similar to D. palmeri but under 2.5 m long.
The taller inflorescence stems, up to 6 m high, do not bend over.
The red flowers, with reddish bracts, are in a dense, globular head.
Rarely they are seen with pink or white flowers.
J.F.
