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

Example Sentences

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

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

From The Young Berringtons The Boy Explorers by Kingston, William Henry Giles