Xanthorrhoea johnsonii

Grass-tree

Xanthorrhoeaceae

 Form and Size: A single-trunked plant, with a clump of grass-like leaves at the crown, trunk often blackened by fire; to 5m high.

Distribution: Drier coastal, inland and range areas of Qld. and N.S.W.; usually as understorey plants in open forest.

Leaves: Rigid, arching with age, diamond-shaped in cross section, to lm long, grey-green.

Flowers: White to cream, small; borne on a narrow, cylindrical, cone-like spike held upright above the leaves; spike 20-120cm x 2-4cm, stalk 75-190cm long.

Flowering Period: August to October.

Fruit:  Black seeds are borne in spiky capsules on the cone-like spike.

Cultivation/Notes:  Propagate from seed. Very slow growing while young, but plants will reach flowering stage in 3-7 years. Good drainage and full sun are essential. Lack of drainage combined with too much water can cause crown rot in young plants.