Xanthorrhoea acanthostachya facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xanthorrhoea acanthostachya |
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X. acanthostachya flower-spike | |
Scientific classification |
The Xanthorrhoea acanthostachya is a special type of plant known as a grasstree. It belongs to the Xanthorrhoea family. You can find this unique plant growing naturally in Western Australia.
What Does This Grasstree Look Like?
This amazing grasstree is a perennial, meaning it lives for many years. It usually grows to be about 0.8 to 3 meters (2.6 to 9.8 feet) tall. Its main trunk can reach up to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) high.
The plant also has a long stem, called a scape, which is about 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) long. On top of this scape, a flower spike grows, also around 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) tall. This grasstree shows off its beautiful cream-white flowers from August to December each year.
How Was This Grasstree Discovered?
This specific grasstree was first officially described by a botanist named David Bedford. He wrote about it in 1985. His work helped scientists learn more about this new plant found in the Perth area of Western Australia.
Where Does This Grasstree Grow?
The Xanthorrhoea acanthostachya is found in different spots along the west coast of Western Australia. It grows in regions like the Wheatbelt, Peel, and South West. You can find it from Coorow in the north all the way down to Capel in the south. It prefers to grow in sandy soils that also have lateritic gravel.