Endemic To Australia Gallery

Cabbage tree palm (Livistona australis), NSW, Australia

Cabbage tree palm (Livistona australis), usually found in moist open forest but can also be seen in rainforests. It grows prolifically along the New South Wales coast and can grow as tall as 25 metres. In the early days, European settlers used fibre from the palm to weave wide-brim hats to protect them from the sun. New South Wales, Australia

© Barry Ashenhurst / AUSCAPE All rights reserved

Bullanock (Xanthorrhoea australis) mid North Coast NSW Australia

Bullanock (Xanthorrhoea australis), perennial plant, some estimated to be 350 to 400 years old. Its range is eastern Australia including Tasmania and South Australia. Indigenous Australians soaked the flowering spikes in water for a sweet drink. The soft white leaf bases were eaten as well as the growing point of the stem. The flower spike exudes a resin that was used as an adhesive in making tools. Stems were used for the lower portion of a spear and also as a base for a drill to start a fire. Mid North Coast, New South Wales, Australia

© Mark Spencer/AUSCAPE All rights reserved

Bullanock (Xanthorrhoea australis) in mist, New South Wales, Australia

Bullanock (Xanthorrhoea australis) on a misty October morning. The plant is a perennial, some estimated to be 350 to 400 years old. Its range is eastern Australia including Tasmania and South Australia. Indigenous Australians soaked the flowering spikes in water for a sweet drink. The soft white leaf bases were eaten as well as the growing point of the stem. The flower spike exudes a resin that was used as an adhesive in making tools. Stems were used for the lower portion of a spear and also as a base for a drill to start a fire. Mid North Coast, New South Wales, Australia

© Mark Spencer / AUSCAPE All rights reserved