Australian Grass Tree ( Xanthorroea preissii )

Arboreal plant, evergreen
Height : 1m to 6m included
Origin : Southern Australia
Environment : desert and arid areas
Climate : warm, temperate; arid, dry; drought-resistant

Notes :
The Australian Grass Tree is a long-lived arboreal plant. It’s lifespan is of at least 600 years. It grows in deserts and arid areas, and is extremely resistant to drought. It is a very slow growing species: the trunk takes a decade to form initially, as it is composed of a mass of old leaf bases held together by a natural resin. From then on, it grows only 1-2 cm. per year. The adult plants often branch. The flowering stalk grows much faster (2-3 cm per day) and can grow up to 3 m. tall. The flowering attracts birds, bees, ants and butterflies. It can be a handy garden plant, because once established, it requires very little water and maintenance.