Grass tree, Blackboy, Kangaroo Tail
Xanthorrhoea australis
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It grows 0.3-2 m tall. It spreads 60 cm - 1 m wide. It has a large round crown of long thin leaves. They are grass like. The flowers occur closely packed along a long spike. The flowers are white. Dead flower spikes may stay on the tree for years.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate regions. It can grow in subtropical and semi-arid places. It grows at Rocky Cape National Park in Tasmania. It can stand heavy frosts. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Tasmanian Herbarium. Hobart Botanical Gardens. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Leaf base, grubs, flowers - nectar, roots, leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. Seed often take 12 months to germinate.
Plants grow very slowly.
Its other names
Local names
Bowat, Baggup, Bukkup, Kawee