TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA


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Xanthorrhoea sp., Grass Tree
Xanthorrhoea australis

Xanthorrhoea sp.

Grass Tree
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
Origin: Australia
USDA Zone: 9-11?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapLarge shrub 5-10 ft tallFull sunDry conditionsModerate waterOrnamental foliage

Xanthorrhoea, also known as Grass Trees or Balga Grass to Australian aborigines, are slow-growing, long-lived plants that prefer full sun and moderate water. They can survive long dry periods and are cold hardy to at least 30°F, making them suitable for USDA Zones 9-11. They can grow up to 5-10 feet tall and have brilliant green foliage that is ornamental and can be used for hedges or in courtyards and rock gardens. When grown in a pot, extra care must be taken in cold climates and the plant should be moved to a sheltered area and covered during harsh winters. During the growing season, water regularly and feed with a soluble fertilizer every other week, and prune old or dead leaves as needed.

The name Balga Grass, meaning black boy, was given by the Australian aborigines due to the singed black trunk and long green leaves resembling black figures after a wild fire. Xanthorrhoea have been known to live up to 600 years and have a history of usage by both the aboriginal people and Europeans. The glassy resin exuded from the trunks was used in varnish and other products, while the flowering spikes were soaked in water to make a sweet drink and the soft base of young leaves were eaten. The tough leaves were also used as knives.





Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/xanthorrhoea_sp.htm

Xanthorrhoea australis - seeds

Grass Tree. Commonly called Grass Trees, Xanthorrhoea plants are also known as Balga Grass to the Australian aborigines, which is their word for black boy. The Aborigines probably called these plants balga because after a wild fire, the bottom leaves burn away revealing a singed black trunk with long green reed-like leaves extending from the top of the trunk giving the appearance of black figures. All species of Xanthorrhoea are very slow growing, but they are also very long lived - up to 600 years! Long straight spears of white blossoms extend from the top of the tree especially in the year following wild fires. The flowering spikes of the grass tree were soaked in water to make a sweet drink, fresh or slightly fermented. The soft bases of the young leaves were eaten. Europeans harvested the gum to make varnishes and lacquers. Can be grown very successfully in pots.
Place seeds on top of soil surface, using draining potting mix plus sand, keep warm, only slightly moist and in bright light. Seeds can not be kept wet.
Ordering seeds info

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In stock
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