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Black Boy

Xanthorrhoea australis

Description:

Xanthorrhoea australis, the Grass-tree or Black Boy is an Australian plant. It is the most commonly seen species of the genus Xanthorrhoea . Its fire-blackened trunk can grow up to several metres tall and is often branched. In certain Aboriginal languages, it is called 'Bukkup' or 'Kawee'. In Xanthorrhoeas, the main way to identify them is by looking at the cross-section of the leaves. In the case of the X. australis, the cross-section is a rough diamond shape, and the colour of the leaves is a bluish-green. X. australis is not often seen in bloom because this species requires fire to stimulate its reproductive cycle. However, if it does flower, a flowering spike grows out of the top of the plant. Flowers appear on the spike, usually covering 1⁄2–5⁄6 of the stem. The flowers of this particular species have 6 petals. The crown of leaves of X. australis will be almost spherical in shape, the point of each leaf perfectly marking the shape of the imagined sphere. X. australis has leaves which are softer and generally less rigid than other Xanthorrhoeas. Old leaves hang down forming a distinctive skirt-like feature that partly covers the fire-blackened trunk. X. australis flowers from July to December, but younger plants may flower in June. This species can also be found in South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania. (Wiki)

Notes:

This plant seems to grow where the forest has been destroyed by fire. Something dies, something's born.

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2 Comments

nrvero
nrvero 9 years ago

Wow, thanks!! Was searching for it but had no clue how to find it!! xx

rani.she
rani.she 11 years ago

Wow you spotted this one a long time ago! If you are still interested this is Xanthorrhoea australis, commonly known as grass tree or black boy

nrvero
Spotted by
nrvero

Victoria, Australia

Spotted on Jul 2, 2007
Submitted on Jan 1, 2012

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