Xanthorrhoea preissii (Black Boy Grass Tree) is a perennial monocot that is native to Western Australia. Black Boy Grass Trees are grown as ornamentals and feature plants across a wide range of soils and climates in Australia. They are drought and frost tolerant, require little maintenance and produce white flowers from Winter to Summer.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Xanthorrhoea preissi is also called Balga Tree or simply Black Boys and grow wildly across much of Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
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Growth
Xanthorrhoea preissii is a slow-growing monocot that reaches a maximum height of around 5 metres (16 feet) by a width of up to 2 metres (7 feet). Black Boy Grass Trees are adaptable to a range of soils and are frost and drought tolerant.
Once established, they require very little maintenance and do well in all climates across Australia.
The form of the plant resembles a tree, with very long grass-like, leaves that emerge from the central base. Mature plants can produce creamy-white flowers that bloom from Winter through to Summer. They appear on upright spikes that can reach 2.5 metres (8 feet) and are more prolific after bushfires.
A slow-growing tree, Black Boy Grass Trees may take between 15-20 years to reach full maturity.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Xanthorrhoeaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5 to 45°C / 23 to 114°F
SOIL TYPE:
Suitable for most types of soil, well-draining preferred.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 5 metres (16 feet)
WIDTH:
2 metres (7 feet)
pH:
5.5-7
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial Monocot
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Birds & Bees.
MATURITY:
15-20 years
GERMINATION RATES:
84-92%
GERMINATION TIME:
4-8 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy-Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
45
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT XANTHORRHOEA PREISSII (Black Boy Grass Tree)
Xanthorrhoea preissii was originally given the common name of Black Boy by early settlers as the appearance of the plant was seen as resembling a native inhabitant holding a spear.
Bushfires actually stimulates the Black Boys to grow and flower more profusely.
Native Australians called the plant Balga Tree and used the spikes of the tree as fishing spears. The plant also attracted bardi grubs which were a source of food.
