Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata is endemic to South Australia and occurs from St Vincent Gulf to the northern Mt Lofty Ranges. It is found on ridge tops, rocky outcrops and steep slopes of the Mt Lofty and Flinders Ranges. There is no variation recorded for this species.
Plants flower in autumn – winter and set seed in spring – summer. Fruits turn brown on maturity and are dehiscent. Seeds are knocked out (gently) from each spike, and as they spill out of the open values are captured onto stretched out material or some other purpose-built container. No pre-treatment appears necessary for successfully germination of Xanthorrhoea seed. Seed is sown from early spring, for planting out the following winter and incorporated into direct seed programs.
Identification
The main flower colour is white.
Uses
Xanthorrhoea plants are important as a nectar source for birds and insects, including emus, cockatoos, rosellas, lorikeets, ringnecks, honeyeaters, silvereyes, wood-swallows feeding on the flowers and/or seed. The leaf skirt of grasstrees is habitat for fairy-wrens, scrub-wrens and small mammals.
References
http://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/species%20navigator/media/html/Xanthorrhoea_quadrangulata.htm
Created: 03 Nov 2014 - Stephen L (Clare) SA
Updated: 19 Nov 2014 - Member - John and Val
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