Xanthorrhoea

a genus of monocotyledonous plants of the family Xanthorrhoeceae (formerly considered to be in the family Liliaceae). There are 11 or 12 xerophilous species, growing primarily on dry Australian savannas. The plants are arborescent, sometimes slightly branched, with a rosette (or rosettes) of leaves on the top. The leaves, which are large, brittle, and linear, reach a length of 1 m. As a result of their form of growth, these plants are classified among the “grass trees.” Some species of Xanthorrhoea yield a resin that is used for making varnishes.