1862. H. C. Kendall, `Poems,' p. 74:
"The shimmering sunlight fell and kissed
The grass-tree's golden sheaves."
1867. F. Hochstetter, `New Zealand,' p. 132:
"Here and there, in moist places, arises isolated the `grass-tree' or `cabbage-tree' (Ti of the natives; <i>Cordyline Australis</i>)."
1874. Garnet Walch, `Head over Heels,' p. 80:
"The grass-trees in front, blame my eyes,
Seemed like plumes on the top of a hearse."
1877. F. v. Mueller, `Botanic Teachings,' p. 119:
"How strikingly different the external features of plants may be, though floral structure may draw them into congruity, is well demonstrated by our so-called grass-trees, which pertain truly to the liliaceous order. These scientifically defined as Xanthorhoeas from the exudation of yellowish sap, which indurates into resinous masses, have all the essential notes of the order, so far as structure of flowers and fruits is concerned, but their palm-like habit, together with cylindric spikes on long and simple stalks, is quite peculiar, and impresses on landscapes, when these plants in masses are occuring, a singular feature."
1879. A. R. Wallace, `Australasia' (ed. 1893), p. 52:
"The grass trees (<i>Xanthorrhoea</i>) are a peculiar feature to the Australian landscape. From a rugged stem, varying from two to ten or twelve feet in height, springs a tuft of drooping wiry foliage, from the centre of which rises a spike not unlike a huge bulrush. When it flowers in winter, this spike becomes covered with white stars, and a heath covered with grass trees then has an appearance at once singular and beautiful."