Name:
Red-fruit Saw-sedge
Botanical name:
Gahnia sieberiana
Family:
Cyperaceae
Distribution and habitat
Gahnia sieberiana is found across eastern Australia, from Tasmania to North Queensland, as well as Malesia, from sea level to an altitude of 1,200m. It is found on clay and sandy soils.
Description
This sedge grows as a tall strappy tussock to 2m high and wide, with rough flat leaves. The leaf margins have tiny serrations that are sharp and can cut the hands of those handling the plant.
The tall black flowers grow in spikes from the centre of the plant and can rise another metre above the clump, appearing in spring and summer. They are followed by shiny red or red-brown round nuts, which measure 2.5 to 4.0mm long, 1.5 to 2.0mm in diameter
Seeds appear to germinate after bushfire. The caterpillars of many species of sedge and sand skippers feed on the leaves.
Where to see the Red Fruit Saw-sedge in Centennial Parklands.
Red-fruited Saw-sedge is most notable in the Lachlan Swamp paperbark forest, where it is the dominant plant in the understorey.