Grass tree
Xanthorrhoea resinosa

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae

What it is like

A small bush. It grows 1 m high. The trunk is below the ground. The leaves are 1.7 m long and 6 mm wide. They are grey-green. They are triangle shaped in cross section. They form a clump at ground level. The flowers are carried on a tall woody stem up to 2 m high. The flowers form the top 80-100 cm of the stem. The flowers are creamy white in colour.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It needs a well-drained sunny position.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The flowers contain a small amount of sweet nectar. It can be sucked or soaked in water to produce a sweet drink. The white-coloured section at the base of the leaves is edible. The terminal bud or growing heart can be eaten. The starch from the trunk is edible but this kills the tree.

Edible parts

Leaf base, flower nectar

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Xanthorrhoea hastilis R. Br.; and others