Richea pandanifolia

giant grass tree species

EricaceaeRichea

The giant grass tree is an erect tree or shrub in the heath or Ericaceae family and is native to central, western and southwestern Tasmania. It grows from 2 to 12 metres in height, usually from 1 stem, but also can be branched.

  • Leaves are strap-like, growing up to 1 m long and tapering to sharp points, forming densely from terminus branches; young leaves are green in colour but turn grayish brown with age; older leaves are persistent (they remain on the stem); margins are serrated and are sharp enough to cut human skin.
  • Flowers which are either white or deep pink in colour emerge from the leaf axils on panicles which can grow up to 25 cm long.

Contributors

  • Philippe de Spoelberch