It is found in the eastern portion of Olkola land, on higher, rockier country near the range. It prefers sandy or gravely soil. It is abundant, for example, around Dixie Station and near Coen. It is not found in the traditional land of the Oykangand people, which lies to the west of Olkola land. Xanthorrhoea johnsonii is a trunk-forming species, as shown in the individual in the accompanying image.
Young individuals have no trunk, with their grass-like leaves radiating from the ground.
The trunk takes years to form. This tree is very important in traditional material culture. It is a source of wax . Grasstree wax is called ulginb in Uw Olkola, uk ilbmb in Uw Oykangand and puuncham in Pakanh. The flower stalk is called ek omel in Uw Olkola.