Gahnia clarkei

Tall Saw-sedge

Robust cane-like perennial tussock. Flowering stems stout, woody, often sprawling to erect, to 30mm wide.

FamilyCyperaceae
StoreyMiddle storey
Size1.5-4.5 m x 1-3 m
Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
LeavesRough, very long, flat to inrolled leaves, shorter than stems, spiralling around the stem. Margins sharp. Sheaths narrow, pinkish to brown. .
Flower colourGolden brown, becoming dark brown
Flowering timeSeptember to February
FlowersErect or drooping flower spikes, 50-125 cm long, spikelets 2-flowered; lower bracts much shorter than upper. Nuts shiny orange to red.
Bird attractingHabitat - nesting and/or safety
Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
Frog habitatYes
Growing conditionsMoist to wet soil beside streams and swamps in shady gullies. Dappled to semi shade.
Garden useA large sedge with decorative fruits, suitable for erosion control on creeks. Care needs to be taken in handling this plant due to the sharpness of the leaves.
Commercially availableUnlikely to be available within the Shire of Yarra Ranges
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites in the Beenak area but locally common.
Aboriginal Use Food - nuts ground