Recently we climbed a nearby mountain in the Yengo national Park, north of Sydney - to discover a forest of ancient Grass Trees. The Grass Tree, or Xanthorrhoea are extremely slow growing iconic Australian plants, some of which are 350 to 450 years old! According to bushheritage.org.au, some form a ‘trunk’ from old leaf bases stacked on top of each other and stuck together by a naturally occurring resin. They have a root system, where microbes called mycorrhiza surround the roots in a symbiotic relationship, which helps the plant take up nutrients. Many species have an amazing ability to survive fire, in fact they are stimulated by fire which helps the flowering process. Flowers form on a spear-like spike, which can be up to 4m long! Flowers are arranged in a spiral up the spike, and produce a great amount of nectar, attracting a wide variety of insects, birds and mammals. The grass tree is important to Aboriginal people across Australia. This resin is traditionally used as glue in spear-making and in patching up water containers. Flower spikes make fishing spear shafts and firesticks; the tough seed pods are used as cutting implements; and the flower’s nectar forms a sweet, slightly fermented drink.
Another wondrous, unique and ancient Australian Tree.
