Scientific Name: Xanthorrhoea arenaria Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: sand grasstree

Family Classification (Clade): Monocots

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae

Threatened Species Status: Vulnerable

Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.

Form Description: Trunkless, arising from a thick woody rootstock, with long, narrow leaves with sharp tips forming several crowns above ground.

Flowers: Distinctive flower spike, 7-40cm long.

Fruit: Capsule – turn from green to brown or black when ripe. Each capsule holds 2 matt black seeds, 8-12mm long.

Municipality
Break O’DayDorsetGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayWest Tamar
Plant Communities
No data available for this species
Habitat Notes

Sandy heaths, north-east and east coast from Bridport to Coles Bay.

General Notes

Xanthorrhoea arenaria appears very similar to Xanthorrhoea bracteata; location is the best identifier. Susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Cut the spike when the capsules dry and begin to split. Fruits which are almost mature can be collected and allowed to dry in a warm place, or the spikes can be bent down and shaken over a groundsheet. Seed may need to be lightly dusted with insecticide before storing.

Seed Treatment Method

Smoke Smoke treatment improves germination in some species. Smokey products, e.g. smokey vermiculite, can be purchased and applied to the sown seed, or sown seeds can be treated directly with smoke from a source such as a drum with a fire and hose.

Seed Storage Life

Short

Seed Treatment Notes

Fresh seed is recommended. Cold storage or smoke treatment may increase success; light may possibly inhibit germination. Seedlings are very slow growing.

Germination Time

3-52 weeks