Guruwan is a tussock plant which grows from 0.5 to 1 metre tall with long green leaves and stems of spiny, papery yellow-brown flowers which flower from September to February.

The Wurundjeri-woiwurrung have many uses for the plant, with leaves being used as bandages as well as their white bases being edible. The flowers could be infused into water to drink and the plant’s fibres used to weave nets and baskets.

Guruwan grows best in well drained soil in full sun to semi shade.