Grass Trees of the Kalbarri.

The common name for the Xanthorrhoea is Grass Tree or

Balga. Grass Trees/Balgas epitomise the Australian bush;

they’re beautiful, ancient, hardy, thrive in nutrient poor soils

and respond to wildfire by flowering profusely. The Grass Tree/Balga are important to Aboriginal people

across Australia. Grass Tree/Balga resin is traditionally used as glue in spear-making and in patching up water

containers. Whilst the flower spikes make fishing spear

shafts and firesticks; the tough seed pods are used as

cutting implements; and the flower’s nectar forms a sweet,

slightly fermented drink. This nectar also attracts a wide

variety of insects, birds and mammals. Once pollinated, the

flowers form a tough, pointed fruit capsule that’s typically

matt-black. (fact sheet - City of Joondalup, Western Australia)

Done