Xanthorrhoea semiplana
| Xanthorrhoea semiplana | |
|---|---|
| |
| Kangaroo Island grass tree ("Xanthorrhoea semiplana ssp. tateana"). Cape Cassini, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Subfamily: | Xanthorrhoeoideae |
| Genus: | Xanthorrhoea |
| Species: | X. semiplana
|
| Binomial name | |
| Xanthorrhoea semiplana F.Muell., 1864
| |
Xanthorrhoea semiplana is a species of grass tree found in south-eastern Australia,[1] with two subspecies:[2][3]
Xanthorrhoea semiplana ssp. semiplana, the tufted grass tree, grows on the Eyre, Yorke and Fleurieu Peninsulas, southeastern South Australia and probably midwestern Victoria.[2]
Xanthorrhoea semiplana ssp. tateana, the Kangaroo Island grass tree, Tate's grass tree or Yakka Bush, is lesser known.
Description[edit]
Xanthorrhoea semiplana ssp. semiplana is typically smaller than Xanthorrhoea semiplana ssp. tateana. The former lacks a trunk and remains below 1 m in height, while the latter has a trunk and will often exceed a height of 1 m. Flowering occurs from Spring to Autumn, with plants capable of producing a flower spike several meters in length.[4][5]
Can be distinguished from the co-occurring plant Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata by the cross section of the leaves: the cross section of X. semiplana is flat, while the cross section of X. quadrangulata is distinctly square in shape.[6]
Like most species in the genus Xanthorrhoea, this plant is highly susceptible to infection by the pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi.[7]
Ecology[edit]
A large and prominent plant in the Australian landscape, Xanthorrhoea semiplana is a source of both food and shelter for numerous species. A study by the CSIRO found that these grass trees generate a distinct microclimate beneath their canopies, a discovery with significant implications for wildlife. This consistently stable environment moderates cold temperatures in winter and offers a crucial cool refuge for animals during summer heatwaves. Additionally, the study found that larger (and therefore older) grass trees provided the greatest protection from temperature and rain fluctuations.[8]
References[edit]
- ^ Australia, Atlas of Living. "Species: Xanthorrhoea semiplana". bie.ala.org.au. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
- ^ a b "Xanthorrhoea semiplana F.Muell., Fragm. 4: 111 (1864)". Flora of Australia Online. ABRS. 1986.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help) - ^ "Xanthorrhoea: A review of current knowledge with a focus on X. johnsonii and X. latifolia, two Queensland protected plants-in-trade".
- ^ "Fact sheet for Xanthorrhoea semiplana". flora.sa.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
- ^ "Fact sheet for Xanthorrhoea semiplana". flora.sa.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
- ^ "Yakkas (Xanthorrhoea semiplana and X. quadrangulata)". Ligaya Garden. 2018-11-26. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
- ^ "Xanthorrhoea semiplana ssp. semiplana". plantselector.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
- ^ Petit, Sophie; Frazer, Deborah S. (2023-08-08). "The role of grass-tree Xanthorrhoea semiplana (Asphodelaceae) canopies in temperature regulation and waterproofing for ground-dwelling wildlife". Pacific Conservation Biology. 29 (5): 445–455. doi:10.1071/PC23014. ISSN 2204-4604.
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