Episode: #5 30/09/2006
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane

Grasstrees are icons of the Australian bush giving great character and a living link to history because of their slow growth, roughly 1 centimetre per year, mean that a 1 metre high trunked plant has seen five human generations go by.

Their toughness is a thing of legends and the ability to handle heat, dryness and harsh conditions is a characteristic of most of the family. The new dwarf grass-like plant called ?Tanika? is a relative and toughness is in the genes.

The fine leaf form of the stream lily has low water requirements and it will tell you know when it needs watering by rolling its leaf in. It can survive in this state without further water for up to 2 more weeks.

Tanika brings an attractive and contemporary look to the landscape and looks great when multiplanted. They are excellent pot plants for sun and light shade. The surprise however is that the tough little Aussie is the only fine strap leaf plant that can be grown as in indoor specimen. It also makes an excellent patio plant.

Any time the foliage looks a bit daggy then pull out your trusty hedge shears and give it a haircut. Within a few days the shoots start to sprout and in a month or so it looks fresh, fantastic and bright green.

The flowers are creamy coloured and fairly inconspicuous and a good feature is the low pollen count which makes them a safe choice for asthma sufferers. The leaves are also soft to the touch in contrast to the parent variety which has a chisel shaped end that can easily cut the skin.

Another surprise, florists are hunting down this plant with secateurs in hand because the foliage lasts a long time in a vase and has a funky modern look.

Tanika is available in good garden centres right now and this is a great time to plant them into your garden for a modern Aussie accent.

Featured Product

From Ozbreed Pty Ltd - Environmental Turf and Plant Breeding
P.O. Box 1011, Richmond 2753
Ph: 02 4578 0866
Fax: 02 45780855
info@ozbreed.com.au

Go to www.ozbreed.com.au for details on where to buy around Australia.