Basket grass
A versatile plant related to asparagus
Basket grass resembles grass at first glance, but it is actually more closely related to asparagus. This may sound strange, but the relationship shows if you look closely at the details of the flowers.
Basket grass is a hardy, drought tolerant plant that is used both as a garden and a roadside plant in Australia.
The indigenous Australians grind the seeds for flour and use it to bake the traditional bread damper. The base of the leaves contains water and can be chewed to quench one’s thirst. The fibres from the long leaves can be used for weaving string bags and baskets.
Facts:
- Greenhouse location: Mediterranean House
- Danish name: Kurvegræs
- Latin name: Lomandra longifolia
- Family: Asparagus family / Asparagaceae
- Natural habitat: Eastern Australia