This woody perennial has a blackish trunk that may be branched, taking many years to develop and the slender grass-like grey green leaves appear as tufts at the top of the plant. The tiny star-shaped flowers appear on a short rush-like spike in spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11 

Xanthorrhoea australia is naturally found in Australia from New South Wales to Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania growing in well drained rocky, moderately fertile soil that is derived from limestone or volcanic base. It prefers an open sunny position and tolerates light frost, drought  and fire.

The Australian Grass Tree is grown for its habit and is planted in parks and gardens as a specimen. It is suitable for rockeries or containers and is commonly used as a feature plant in native gardens. It is extremely slow growing and is commonly transplanted as a mature plant into gardens requiring a little maintenance. ID 2005

Xanthorrhoea (zan-thor-RHO-ee-ah) australia (ow-STRA-lee-ah)

Xanthorrhoeaceae (zan-thor-RHO-AY-see-ee)