440B-4-Lepidosperma-gunnii-fl2-Marilyn-Gray.jpg

Lepidosperma gunnii

Slender or Little Sword-sedge

Slender tufted perennial sedge, spreading from short underground stems. Flowering stems rigid, erect, convex on both sides, to 2.5mm wide. Margins rough or smooth.

Additional information

  • SynonymL. laterale var. angustum
  • FamilyCyperaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Sizestems 15-40 cm high
  • Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
  • LeavesLeaves similar but shorter than flowering stems, 1-2.5 mm wide. Sheaths straw-coloured.
  • Flower colourReddish-brown
  • Flowering timeSeptember to March
  • FlowersFew small spikelets in a narrow, erect flowerhead 2-8 cm long. Leafy bract below flowers shorter than flowerhead. Nut pale brown, wrinkled or smooth, shiny.
  • Bird attractingSeeds
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist soils in lowland forests. Semi shade. Locally rare.
  • Garden useGrow as a feature near water areas, or in bog gardens.
  • Commercially availableNo information available
  • Conservation statusScattered locations within the Shire where it is not common.
  • Related speciesSimilar to Lepidosperma laterale from which it has been separated, but smaller in all features.
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©

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