Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata or the Mount Lofty Grass Tree[1] is a plant in the genus Xanthorrhoea. It is the only species of Xanthorrhoea solely endemic to the state of South Australia.[2][3]
| Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Subfamily: | Xanthorrhoeoideae |
| Genus: | Xanthorrhoea |
| Species: | X. quadrangulata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata | |
Description
editA very slow growing plant with a thick rough trunk and blue-green foliage. In the wild, this trunk is often burnt black as a result of fire. The trunks are capable of reaching 2 m length or greater, and are frequently branched. Typical of the trunked species of Xanthorrhoea, this species is extremely slow growing, increasing in height by only 2–3 cm per year on average.[4][5]
Blooms occur irregularly from winter to spring, producing flower spikes between 1 and 3 m in height. These spikes bear small, nectar rich flowers, and are a source of food for nectar eating birds and butterflies.[6]
Distribution
editThis plant occurs broadly occurs throughout the Mount Lofty Ranges, with its range extending into the Flinders Ranges. It frequently inhabits rocky sites and ridges, and is particularly tolerant of clay soil.[7]
Gallery
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X. quadrangulata growing in crevices in granite gneiss outcrop at Parra Wirra, South Australia -
X. quadrangulata growing in crevice in granite gneiss outcrop at Parra Wirra, South Australia -
Macro photograph of flower spike -
X. quadrangulata observed in the Flinders Ranges
References
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- ^ "Fact sheet for Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata". www.flora.sa.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
- ^ George, A.S. (ed.) (1986). Flora of Australia 46: 1-247. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra.
- ^ "Gondwana Landscapes & Consultancy". gondwanalc.com.au. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata, Mt. Lofty Grass-tree, Succulent,". www.smgrowers.com. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata". plantselector.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
- ^ "Fact sheet for Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata". www.flora.sa.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-10-06.
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