English: This is a cross-section of a broken Xanthorrhoea stem that is an advanced stage of decomposition. The outer ring shows old leaf bases connected to a woody outer layer of the stem which resists decomposition longer than the fibrous centre, which contains numerous vascular bundles in parenchyma. A photograph of a healthy stem would show the distinct secondary thickening characteristic of these advanced monocots. Photo taken at Wireless Hill Park, Perth, Western Australia.