395B-2-Baumea-rubiginosa-fl-2-Marilyn-Gray.jpg

Baumea rubiginosa

Soft Twig-sedge

Tufted perennial sedge spreading from a short thick underground stem. Stiff erect flowering stems are ridged, round to bi-convex in cross section 1-5mm wide with 1-2 nodes.

Additional information

  • FamilyCyperaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size0.3-1 m high
  • Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
  • LeavesBasal leaves roundish in cross section, flattened towards tip, broader than stems, 1.5-7 mm diam., often longer than stems; stem leaves much smaller; sheath dull, straw-coloured.
  • Flower colourRed-brown
  • Flowering timeSeptember to March
  • FlowersErect, oblong flowerhead 7-35 cm long, many 2-3-flowered spikelets densely clustered along branches. Bract at base of flowerhead shorter than flowerhead. Nut to 4 mm, orange to pale red-brown, oval.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
  • Frog habitatYes
  • Growing conditionsMoist to wet sandy soils in heathlands and swamps. Full sun, semi-shade.
  • Garden useUseful in permanently moist areas, beside ponds and in water run-off areas.
  • Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
  • Related speciesConfused with Baumea arthrophylla which has a smaller (to 2.5 mm) straw-coloured to whitish, 3-angled nut, spikelets in scattered clusters.
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©

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