Grass trees are perennial plants native to Australia.These trees are quite hardy as they can survive frost as well as fires; these plants even flower after a fire. Kangaroo tail, grass gum-tree, and grass tree are some of the names used to refer to Xanthorrhoea trees.The resin collected from the flower spike can be quite sticky and useful in joining two objects. Grass trees are among the first flowering plants that evolved to better adapt to the environment where they naturally occur.Collecting and germinating the seeds of a grass tree is easy, which makes it possible for grass trees to be cultivated. However, it is noted that the nursery-purchased plants may have lower chances of survival. The species of Xanthorrhoea which are commonly grown in gardens are Xanthorrhoea australis, X. preissii, and X. malacophylla.Varnish for furniture can be made out of grass trees. Studies also suggest that these trees can be used as incense which is burnt in churches and temples. Read further to explore more amazing facts about grass trees.The Classification Of Grass Trees As PlantsEverything in the world, be it living or non-living, has been classified under certain categories. This is done to better understand things as well as differentiate between all of them. Similarly, the grass tree species has also been classified.Grass tree plants are scientifically known as Xanthorrhoea plants.They belong to the family Asphodelaceae, which is a flowering plant family.‘Grass trees’ is considered to be the name of the genus that consists of about 30 species of flowering plants, which are all endemic to Australia.These trees are part of the order Asparagales. Features Of Grass TreesThe individual characteristics and features of a species help in its identification and differentiation from other species; these unique features of grass trees are listed below.All grass trees are perennial plants.Grass trees live for several years. Some grass trees also live as long as around 600 years.They have a meristem within their stem.Many species of grass trees also develop an above-ground stem which might take about 20 years to emerge.Initially, the grass tree plant starts off as a crown that has leaves like rigid grass.As the grass tree grows, the branches and the main stem of the plant develop underneath the crown.Leaf bases of grass trees form their trunk, which has a rough surface.The growth point of a grass tree is buried beneath its leaf bases, which offers it protection from damaging conditions such as a fire.The grass tree flowers bloom above a scape which is a bare section.These flowers bloom on a lengthy spike and are thus known as flower spikes.These flower spikes may be really long in some species of grass trees.The process of flowering in grass trees takes place during flowering periods, which differ for each individual species.The stimulation of the flowering process also often occurs due to bushfires.Some species of grass trees start growing a flowering stem or a flower spike as soon as the bushfire is out.The grass tree root system has microbes called mycorrhiza surrounding the grass tree roots.These roots create a symbiotic relationship through which the grass tree receives its nutrients.The grass tree growth rate is very slow. This growth rate further varies from one species to another after the establishment of the plant is complete.Habitat And Growth Requirements Of Grass TreesDifferent species of plants require different climates and surrounding conditions to grow properly. Habitat conditions and other growth requirements of the grass tree species are mentioned below.The natural habitat of grass trees consists of Australian wet and dry forests as well as coastal heaths.One of the most common species of grass trees that has a wide distribution is the Austral grass tree.The Austral grass tree grows in Victoria, south Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, and New South Wales.They are drought-tolerant, which means they can survive without water for a long time.This tree species is also frost tolerant, enabling this species to survive in colder climates.These Australian plants can grow in soil that has low nutrients and is free draining.The shallow root system of grass trees allows these trees to access nutrients easily from the surrounding decaying litter.While some species of grass trees are fire-tolerant and even flower and grow from the soil fertilized by the ash of dead leaves, there are others that have to be protected from the risk of fires.Grass trees provide insulation for themselves through the dead leaves that the grass tree holds around itself.These Australian plants are also susceptible to a condition called dieback, which is caused by cinnamon fungus.This fungus attacks the vascular root systems of these plants and causes dieback.It is quite difficult to detect this plant root pathogen, and it may cause great damage before it is detected.The population of some grass tree species is also reducing due to land clearance for urban settlements and agriculture. Animals That Eat Grass TreesGrass trees and their various parts are utilized for multiple purposes, including being a food source.Various species of animals, birds, and insects eat the different parts of a grass tree.These birds, mammals, and insects feed on the pollen, seeds, and nectar of these trees.Some animals and birds may seem to eat grass trees, but they actually feed on beetle larvae that live on the flower spikes.Cockatoos especially love to eat these beetle larvae and are thus often seen around these trees.While some animals and birds may enjoy eating grass trees, some species of animals may be poisoned if they eat these plants.Staggers, or rickets, is the name of the disease caused by grass trees, and cattle are often susceptible to this disease.Once cattle acquire this disease after eating these plants, they may develop a staggering lurch, leaning in one direction and making it difficult to walk properly.
Grass trees are perennial plants native to Australia.
