Cordyline stricta (Sims) Endl.

A tall herb with slender stems. It grows 1.8-4.5 m high. It can be 1-2 m across. It forms spreading clumps. There are rhizomes under the ground. The leaves are narrow and sword shaped. They hang downwards. The edges have teeth. The leaves are 20-60 cm long by 1-2.5 cm wide. The flowers are purple or violet. The are shaped like tubes at the base. They are 0.8-1 cm long. They are borne in panicles 30-70 cm long. They hang down in long sprays. The fruit are berries. They are purple or black. They are round and 0.3-0.5 cm across.

It can tolerate dark conditions for a long time. It grows in temperate to tropical conditions. It needs well drained soil. It does best in light shade. It can stand light frosts. Melbourne Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. Arboretum Tasmania.

Plants can be grown from seed, dividing the rhizome or stem cuttings.