Xanthorrhoea semiplana

Xanthorrhoea semiplana is a species of grass tree found in south-eastern Australia,[1] with two subspecies:[2][3]

Xanthorrhoea semiplana
Kangaroo Island grass tree ("Xanthorrhoea semiplana ssp. tateana"). Cape Cassini, Kangaroo Island, South Australia.
Scientific classification Edit this 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
Kangaroo Island grass tree (Xanthorrhoea semiplana ssp. tateana). Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia.

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

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
Xanthorrhoea semiplana ssp. semiplana, Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia.

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
  1. Australia, Atlas of Living. "Species: Xanthorrhoea semiplana". bie.ala.org.au. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
  2. "Xanthorrhoea semiplana F.Muell., Fragm. 4: 111 (1864)". Flora of Australia Online. ABRS. 1986. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  3. "Xanthorrhoea: A review of current knowledge with a focus on X. johnsonii and X. latifolia, two Queensland protected plants-in-trade".
  4. "Fact sheet for Xanthorrhoea semiplana". flora.sa.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
  5. "Fact sheet for Xanthorrhoea semiplana". flora.sa.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
  6. "Yakkas (Xanthorrhoea semiplana and X. quadrangulata)". Ligaya Garden. 2018-11-26. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
  7. "Xanthorrhoea semiplana ssp. semiplana". plantselector.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
  8. 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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