868B-Carex-longebrachiata-Rob-Wiltshire.jpg

Carex longebrachiata

Bergalia Tussock

Densely tufted perennial sedge spreading from a short underground stem. Flowering stem upright to 80cm, round to triangular in cross section to 1.3mm diam, smooth to rough.

Additional information

  • FamilyCyperaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size0.4-1 m high
  • Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
  • LeavesLeaves stiff, longer than flowering stems, 2-4 mm wide. Sheath pale yellow-brown. Lowest leafy bract at base of flowerhead shorter than flowerhead.
  • Flower colourYellow-brown to red-brown
  • Flowering timeSpring to summer
  • FlowersDrooping flowerhead 40-90 cm long, 1-8 spikes per node on long drooping stalks, densely flowered above, loose below; upper spike female with long male section below; lower spikes female above short male section. Fruit narrow. Nut yellow-brown.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatYes
  • Growing conditionsMoist soil in low-lying woodlands. Semi shade.
  • Garden useMoist gardens by water areas.
  • Commercially availableNever
  • Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from a couple of sites in the Yering area, possibly no longer existing there.
  • Related speciesVery similar to Carex iynx. Distinguish by the stiffer leaves, paler leaf sheaths and the female flowers above male flowers, especially in the terminal spike. Leaves M-shaped in cross-section (cf. V-shaped in C. iynx).
Photographer/s: Rob Wiltshire, © Threatened Species Section (2019), Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania

Plant Communities

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  • 38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
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