Richea pandanifolia (Pandani or Giant Grass Tree) is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, endemic to Tasmania.

It is somewhat palm-like in appearance, usually growing as a single stem or occasionally branched, and is between 2 and 12 metres in height. It has densely crowded leaves which taper to a point. The flowers appear in panicles, up to 25 centimetres long and are white to deep pink.

Literally the high point of the trip Mt Ossa will be attempted if the weather is good. View the Flickr slide show (http://www.flickr.com/search/show/?q=mt+ossa+tasmania&m=&s=) or read the wikipedia article below.

Mount Ossa is the highest mountain in Tasmania, at 1,614 metres (5,295 ft). It lies in the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The entire mountain is composed of Jurassic dolerite and the peak is named after Mount Ossa in Greece, which features in Greek mythology. Many other peaks in Tasmania have names derived from the legends and tales of ancient Greece.

Ascending

The peak is fairly remote from the nearest road, with more than a day's walk for most parties but the ascent involves no rock climbing and there is a well-marked track to the summit. Conditions can be very severe in winter, with powerful winds and freezing temperatures.

The lower slopes are bushy but towards the summit the rocks are mostly bare. The walk to the summit from Pelion Gap during summer usually features an array of beautiful wild flowers common in the area.