Xanthorrhoea semiplana (Yacka, Grass Tree)
Xanthorrhoea semiplana (Yakka)
After the grasses seminar we went to Cromer Conservation Park for a picnic lunch. Husband had been bird watching there and was distracted by the great display of wildflowers. There were a number of these Xanthorrhoea plants in flower. They were growing on deep very well drained sand.
These are often sought after as feature rockery plants. The emphasis is on getting hold of tagged plants, not digging them up in the wild without a permit. Every plant that I have seen ready for transplanting has had the leaves trimmed to around 30cm or less, I assume to reduce transpiration stress.
They do not have an extensive root system. They need good drainage, so raise the planting spot if needed, and give it an open sunny aspect. Keep moist but not soggy, so test the soil in the top 4-5cm for dryness before watering again. I think a mulch of small gravel or course sand, failing that, leaf litter to retain moisture during the summer and keep soil temperature from extremes while the plant is establishing is a good idea.
where do you get these tagged plants? i would like many small plants or even seeds to help revegetate my small 3 acres on the fleurieu peninsula. my bare patch (cleared years ago
I have been fortunate to obtain some seeds of the yacka tree , and seek some advice on how to propogate them.
A bit late with info, but the Barossa Bush Garden sell seedlings of these. I’ve just planted 3 along my driveway.
I’ve grown many yackas from seed in tubes as used by Trees for Life. I’ve found that there is usually good germination but it can take anything up to a year. Just put the seeds in the tubes with potting mix and ignore. Be very patient.