Additional information

• FamilyCyperaceae
• StoreyMiddle storey
• Size1.5-3 m x 2-3 m
• Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
• LeavesLeaves spiralling and sheathing around stem, long, to 2.5 m, channelled and rough, becoming pendulous.
• Flower colourYellowish-brown becoming black
• Flowering timeOctober to January
• FlowersDense flower spike 30-100 cm x 70 mm. Nuts bright red and shiny.
• Bird attractingSeeds, insects, habitat for birds and swamp rats
• Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
• Frog habitatYes
• Growing conditionsMoist to wet alluvial soil in low areas of mountain and foothill forests. Frost tolerant. Full sun to full shade.
• Garden useLarge clump which does not spread. Nuts are very attractive against the black spikes. Important food plant for the Swordgrass Brown butterfly. Excellent habitat plant.
• Commercially availableGenerally
• Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
• Aboriginal Use Food - nuts ground

Photo Gallery

Photographer/s: 1 Yarra Ranges Council photo library; 2-5 Marilyn Bull ©

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Plant Communities

04 Alpine Ash Montane Wet Forest (EVC 39)	02 Shining Gum Montane Wet Forest (EVC 39)
30 Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)	13 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Upper Yarra (EVC 18)
12 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 18)	22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
11 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 18)	18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
15 Scented Paperbark Riparian Thicket - Middle & Upper Yarra (EVC 59)	21 Broad-leaf Peppermint Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
20 Messmate Lowland Forest (EVC 16)	07 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 29)
16 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest Central Highlands/UpperYarra (EVC 45)	33 Mountain Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
17 Messmate Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)	32 Silvertop Ash Shrubby Foothill Forest (EVC 45)