Family Index

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Scientific Name

Xanthorrhoea arenaria

Family Name

XANTHORRHOEACEAE

Common Name

Sand Grasstree

Status

Vulnerable

Height

Flowers

Distinctive flower spike, 7-40cm long.

Fruit

Capsule

Form

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

Municipalities

Break O'Day; Dorset; Georgetown; Glamorgan-Spring Bay; West Tamar

Communities

Habitat Notes

Tasmanian endemic. Sandy heaths, NE and E. Coast from Bridport to Coles Bay.

Site Tolerance

Frost Tolerance

Soil Tolerance

General Notes

Fresh seed is recommended. Seedlings are very slow growing. X. arenaria appears very similar to X. bracteata, location is the best identifier. Susceptible to root rot (Phytopthora cinnamomi. Suitable below powerlines.

Propagation Details

Propagation Calendar

Flowering Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seed Collecting Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Sowing Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Cutting Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Capsules turn from green to brown or black when ripe. 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. Each capsule holds 2 matt black seeds, 8-12mm long. Seed may need to be lightly dusted with insecticide before storing.

Seed Treatment Method

Smoke

Seed Storage Life

Short viability

Viable Seeds Per Gram

Seed Treatment Notes

Cold storage or smoke treatment may increase success, light may possibly inhibit germination.

Germination Time

3-52 weeks

Suitable for Direct Seeding

Cuttings

Expected Time to Take Root

Expected Time to Plant Out

Propagation by Division N.B. Transplant only from nearby to avoid disease.

Cutting Notes