Xanthorrhoea australis

Austral Grass-tree

Stout perennial with thick, often branched, woody trunk, generally black as a result of fire.

FamilyAsphodelaceae (syn. Xanthorrhoeaceae)
StoreyMiddle storey
Sizetrunk to 3 m high
Plant groupingLilies & Irises
LeavesSpreading grassy tuft from the top of trunk, erect when young. 4-sided rigid bluish-green leaves to 1 m x 1.2-3 mm.
Flower colourCreamy-white
Flowering timeJuly to December
FlowersFlowering spike from centre of tuft, flowering section 110-180 cm long, longer than non-flowering section (30-50 cm and 18-40 mm thick). Mass of small highly perfumed flowers. Nectar sweet.
Bird attractingNectar, insects
Butterfly attractingNectar for butterflies
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsWell drained soil on rocky slopes. Frost tolerant. Full sun or semi shade.
Garden useOutstanding specimen plant for the garden or tubs. Purchased non seedling plants must be registered. Flowers prolifically after fire.
Commercially availableSpecialist Australian plant nursery
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites.
Aboriginal Use Food - nectar, roots, leaf bases; resin - adhesive; flowering stem - fire sticks, spears
Related speciesXanthorrhoea minor is a smaller plant with the trunk underground. The flowering section of the stem is less than half the length of the non-flowering section. The flowering section on X. australis is 2-6 times greater than the base.