Xanthorrhoea glauca
Grass tree forest – Barrington Tops National Park, Australia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Xanthorrhoeoideae
Genus: Xanthorrhoea
Species:
X. glauca
Binomial name
Xanthorrhoea glauca
Synonyms
  • Xanthorrhoea australis R.Br.

Xanthorrhoea glauca, known as the grass tree, is a large plant in the genus Xanthorrhoea,[1] widespread in eastern Australia. The trunk can grow in excess of 5 metres tall, and may have many branches. It is occasionally seen in large communities in nutrient rich soils. The leaves are a grey or bluish glaucous green.

Two sub-species are recognised; subspecies angustifolia and glauca.

Aboriginal (Ngunnawal) uses

The flower spike soaked in water makes a sweet drink.[2] The growing part of the leaf stem and the white leaf bases can be eaten.[2] The dried flower stems form a base for fire drills when making a fire.[2] The resin from the base of the leaves is a glue used when making weapons and axes.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Xanthorrhoea glauca". PlantNET - NSW Flora Online, retrieved Feb 8th, 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Ngunnawal Elders. 2014. Ngunnawal Plant Use a traditional Aboriginal plant use guide for the ACT region. ACT Government, Canberra.


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