Biology:Xanthorrhoea glauca

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Short description: Species of flowering plant

Xanthorrhoea glauca
Xanthorrhoea Mt Cabrebald 1.jpg
Grass tree forest – Barrington Tops National Park, Australia
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Xanthorrhoeoideae
Genus: Xanthorrhoea
Species:
X. glauca
Binomial name
Xanthorrhoea glauca
D.J.Bedford
Synonyms
  • Xanthorrhoea australis R.Br.

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 have many branches. It is occasionally seen in large communities in nutrient rich soils. The leaves are a grey or bluish glaucous green.

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

  1. "Xanthorrhoea glauca". PlantNET - NSW Flora Online, retrieved Feb 8th, 2011. http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Xanthorrhoea~glauca. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Ngunnawal Elders. 2014. Ngunnawal Plant Use a traditional Aboriginal plant use guide for the ACT region. ACT Government, Canberra. 

Wikidata ☰ Q8043099 entry