Grass trees have either an above-ground or below-ground woody stem, which is covered with packed leaf bases. The long, narrow leaves form a crown at the top of the stem and look like a grass skirt. Creamy-white flowers are crowded on the end of a long, spear-like flower spike. http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/education/Resources/bush_foods/Xanthorrhoea_species