Xanthorrhoea glauca
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 be many branched. It is occasionally seen in large communities in nutrient rich soils. The leaves are a grey or bluish glaucous green.
| Xanthorrhoea glauca | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Grass tree forest – Barrington Tops National Park, Australia | |
Scientific 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 | |
| |
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
- "Xanthorrhoea glauca". PlantNET - NSW Flora Online, retrieved Feb 8th, 2011.
- Ngunnawal Elders. 2014. Ngunnawal Plant Use a traditional Aboriginal plant use guide for the ACT region. ACT Government, Canberra.
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