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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of grass tree

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

With her artist’s eye, she points out the Australian grass trees — Xanthorrhoea — tall clumps of grass with huge white flower plumes in spring that dry into brown wavy spikes.

From Los Angeles Times

"It is odd how they can cut down so many grass trees without tools," said Harry.

From Project Gutenberg

A fire could always be lighted with two grass trees, a small fork, and a bit of dry grass.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, not far off, would be found the grass tree, from the summit of which long pendants projected like enormous blades of grass.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg