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.

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