They are all native to Australia where they are known as grasstrees.
There are 15 species, all perennials with an underground stem. Some have a rough-surfaced, palm-like stem above the ground, others do not. The best known and most widely distributed species is the large Xanthorrhoea australis, which was traditionally named the Black Boy. In recent years, the symbolism of the common name -- both phallic and racial -- has become a little too obvious for many people, and Xanthorrhoea australis is often now listed as the Austral Grass Tree. It grows very slowly, only millimetres per year, and flowers spectacularly, particularly after bushfires.
External Link
The Grasstrees (http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/2970/gr_tree.htm)
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