^{(Photograph = small Xaththorrhoea forest, John Tann)}

Introduction

Xanthorrheoa plants are found only Australia where there are 20 to 30 species. Often, but not always, the plants will form a trunk.

The Details

Xanthorrheoa species can live for over 600 years, and many are very slow growing–putting on just 1 inch per year. They are vulnerable because if they are damaged it may take hundreds of years to revive.

The plants secrete a resin that the Native People of Australia used as a glue to repair small objects or in weapons making. Xanthorrhoea plants are frost hardy but they will not tolerate freezes. Some species have soft leaves that hang down and make a skirt around the trunk.

Additional Reading: Xanthorrhoea australis