top of page

GRASS TREE

Xanthorrhoea glauca

Plant Family

Asphodelaceae

Alternative Common Names

The trunk can grow from 1–5 m high, can have many branches or be single.

Leaves - are a grey or bluish green with a whitish waxy coating or bloom that is easily rubbed off.

Flowers – spikes can be up to 2 metres tall.

Seeds - develop after pollination and the flowers die and is a good food source of the parrot family.

Flowering - occurs in late mid-summer.

Indigenous uses - flower spike soaked in water makes a sweet drink. The growing part of the leaf stem and the white leaf bases can be eaten. The dried flower stems form a base for fire drills when making a fire. The resin from the base of the leaves is a glue used when making weapons and axes.

Habitat

Widespread in eastern Australia. It is occasionally seen in large communities in nutrient rich soils. Prefers light well-drained soil in an open sunny position.

18

bottom of page