Grasstree

Xanthorrhoea australis

Physical Characteristics

Xanthorrhoea australis is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). It is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria.

Habitats

South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Nectar Root Stem Edible Uses: The pith of the stem is eaten raw or roasted, it has an agreeable nutty taste that is slightly balsamic[193]. It contains about 41% carbohydrate, 3.5% protein and traces of vitamin C[193]. It is possible to extract sugar from the stem[193]. Leaf bases - chewed[144]. They are hard to detach from the plant[144]. They sometimes taste sweet and juicy though more often they are tough and astringent[193]. The flowers produce an abundance of nectar and this can be collected from the flowers, either by sucking the flowers or by cooking them up to produce a syrup[144]. The root might be edible[144].

Medicinal Uses

Miscellany The resin has medicinal uses[171]. No details are given.

Known Hazards

None known