The Spear Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea resinosa) in the photo is especially adapted to growing in sandy soils. It is extremely slow-growing and can take decades to form a small trunk.
Flowering usually occurs between August and October or is stimulated by fire. As seen here, the flowering spike or Inflorescence is a spike approximately 1.5m long. It is usually shorter than or equal to the length of the stem.
Grass trees are adapted to fire. The thick coating of dead leaves or 'skirt' around their base acts as insulation to protect the small stem from flames and heat and the living growth-point of the grass tree is buried underground. The moist, tightly packed leaf bases reduce the heat.
As well as the ability to survive fire, the leaves of the grass trees produce toxic chemicals which deter herbivores from eating them.