grass tree

American  

noun

1. any Australian plant of the genus Xanthorrhoea, of the lily family, having a stout, woody stem bearing a tuft of long grasslike leaves and a dense flower spike.

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grass tree British  

noun

1. Also called: black boy, yacca, yacka. any plant of the Australian genus Xanthorrhoea, having a woody stem, stiff grasslike leaves, and a spike of small white flowers: family Xanthorrhoeaceae . Some species produce fragrant resins See also acaroid gum

2. any of several similar Australasian plants

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Etymology

Origin of grass tree

First recorded in 1795–1805

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

grass tree

Brown is dry material including logs, woodchips, dry leaves, straw, manure and cardboard, while green is fresh material like grass, tree branches and kitchen scraps.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 28, 2023

He also wore tight- fitting leggings of similar materials, a bearskin cap with a chin strap, and shoes constructed from woven grass, tree fibers, and deer hide.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 19, 2023

Instead, they are focused on combating the spread of a select group dubbed “the evil 25,” including fountain grass, tree of heaven and Spanish broom.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 25, 2019

The problem for polar bears is they lack the ideal skull strength and tooth size needed for munching plants, grass, tree bark and berries, the scientists said.

From Reuters ● Nov. 23, 2010

An insect with wings of brilliant green gauze detached itself from the stalk of a grass tree and fluttered ahead of the Traders as if it were an official herald.

From Plague Ship by Andre Norton

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