Machaerina articulata
Jointed Twig-rush
Tufted perennial sedge with spreading from stout underground stems. Stiff, erect, nodeless flowering stems are ridged, round in cross section 4-10mm wide with partitions across the stem.
Additional information
- SynonymBaumea articulata
- FamilyCyperaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size0.9-2 m high
- Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
- LeavesStout hollow leaves are basal, similar to the flowering stem and as long or longer, to 10 mm wide. Leaf sheath is straw-coloured.
- Flower colourRed-brown
- Flowering timeNovember to April
- FlowersLoose drooping flowerhead 15-45 cm x 10 cm wide of many 2-5-flowered spikelets. Lowest floral bract shorter than flowerhead. Nut wrinkled, egg-shaped, pale to dark red-brown.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatYes
- Growing conditionsWet soils in swamps or in lagoons or slow-moving watercourses. Full sun, semi shade.
- Garden useA dense sedge providing protection for waterbirds beside or in shallow ponds.
- Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
- Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. Scattered in Victoria.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Marilyn Bull ©; 2-4 Colleen Miller ©
Plant Communities