FAMILY:

XANTHORRHOEACEAE

Genus:

Xanthorrhoea

species:

preissii

Common name:

Grass tree or Balga

Name derivation:

Preiss - German plant collector (circa 1840).

Growth habit:

Tree-like plant.

Dimensions:

Height up to 5m, width 2m.

Foliage:

Tough linear green arching leaves forming a 'skirt', up to 1m long.

Flower:

Long spike of small cream flowers, up to 3m long.

Fruit:

Capsules with black seeds.

Other features:

Stout, erect, rough trunk formed from leaf bases. Very slow growing. Regenerates after fire.

Natural distribution:

South-west Western Australia.

Soils:

Sand and rocky outcrops.

Natural vegetation:

Forest, woodland and heath.

Landcare use:

Habitat plant. Revegetation (slow growing).

Propagation:

Seeds and transplanted from salvage sites.

Pests and diseases:

Borer insects. Phytophthora dieback.