Lomandra longifolia ssp. longifolia
Spiny-headed Mat-rush, Karawun
Dense perennial tussock. Male and female flowers on separate plants.
Additional information
- FamilyAsparagaceae (syn. Xanthorrhoeaceae)
- StoreyLower storey
- Size0.5-1 m x 0.5-1.2 m
- Plant groupingLilies & Irises
- LeavesSmooth bright green strap-like leaves 0.5-1 m x 4-10 mm, flat to slightly curved, tip 2- to 3-pointed.
- Flower colourYellow
- Flowering timeSeptember to February
- FlowersScented flowers in rings on flower spikes 12-50 cm long, male many branched, more than 15 cm x 3 cm; female may be unbranched. Stem yellow or green. Spiky bracts at base of flower clusters, longer than clusters. Capsules orange.
- Bird attractingSeeds
- Butterfly attractingBoth food for caterpillars and nectar for butterflies.
- Frog habitatYes
- Growing conditionsWell drained soils, common in heathy woodland, open and closed forests. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi to dappled shade.
- Garden useExcellent landscaping plant, very tolerant of a range of conditions including dry shade. Provides a vertical line in the garden.
- Commercially availableGenerally
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
- Aboriginal Use Food - nectar; Leaves - basket-making
- Related speciesLomandra longifolia ssp. exilis is distinguished by narrower leaves, mostly unbranched, smaller male spikes, smaller floral bracts, spike stem purplish.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Swee Oon ©; 3, 5 Peter Kinchington ©
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