The Craig Bowden Endemic Flora Trail – Grass Tree
Common name: Grass Tree
Indigenous name: Balga
Scientific name: Xanthorrhoea preissii
Conservation status: Not Threatened
Key features: Up to 5 m high, trunk to over 3 m, scape length 0.6-1.0 m, spike length 1.5-2.0m. Flowers: white-cream (Aug to Dec).
Disclaimer: The following information has been collected from third party educational reference sources that were in themselves accumulated from a range of sources, including personal knowledge passed on by Indigenous elders. Although best endeavours have been made to produce an accurate account of the uses of this plant for both food and medicinal purposes, there is no claim as to the accuracy of this information. As such, we accept no responsibility for any inaccurate information and recommend that people wishing to collect or cultivate this plant for food or medicinal purposes for themselves, family or friends, should consult with elders and traditional healers who have knowledge of the plants in their area before doing so.
Traditional/ Indigenous uses: Tanning and fire starting (resin), glue (resin with kangaroo dung), water source (pith), shelter (fronds), food source (sub-soil Bardi Grubs), weaving and artwork (leaves), a sweet drink (flowers soaked in water), food source (gum from the flower spikes), food source (white portion at the base of leaves), relief for diarrhoea and constipation (chewing the resin), relief for upset stomach (eating the pulp from the inside-top of tree), relieve sinusitis (smoke from burning the resin), torches to carry fire (flower spikes), fishing spears (flower spikes), compasses/navigation (flower buds open in conjunction with the sun’s arc).
Modern uses: Weaving and artwork. Native- garden feature plant.
References
WA government dbca
https://florabase.dbca.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/1256
Traditional/ Indigenous uses information:
Noongar Bush Tucker: Bush Food Plants and Fungi of the South-West of W – UWA Publishing
Noongar Bush Medicine: Medicinal Plants of the South-west of Western A – UWA Publishing
This information was reviewed and certified by Christine Coyne & Associates (Aboriginal representative/advisor)