Gahnia radula

Common Name: Thatch Saw-sedge
Synonym:
Family: Cyperaceae
Size: 1-2m x 0.5-2m
Description: Narrow tufted perennial sedge, spreading by underground stems (rhizomes).
Leaves: Long flat erect dark green leaves to 70cm, sheathing and spiralling around the stem. Margins inrolled and very sharp.
Flowering: Narrow, erect flower spikes 50-70cm x 70mm at the end of leafy stems, weeping with age. Nuts dark brown to black.
Flower Colour: Brown, becoming black
Flowering Time: Most of the year, especially spring to summer.
Growing Conditions: Moist poorly drained to seasonally moist areas in forests and woodlands. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi shade.
Garden Use: Suitable for controlling soil erosion but very difficult to propagate or establish.
Related Species:
Plant Communities: 5, 11, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 36, 38, 40
Conservation Status: Widespread within the Shire
Aboriginal Use: Food - nuts ground
Commercially available: Rarely
Bird Attracting: No
Butterfly Attracting: Food plant for caterpillars
Frog Habitat: No
Photographer: 1, 2, 4 Marilyn Gray ©; 3 Healesville Sanctuary ©
Photo montage - default
Last Updated: 30/06/2010
Yarra Ranges Shire Council © 2009
P O Box 105, Anderson Street, Lilydale, VIC 3140
Tel: 1300 368 333 Fax: 9735 4249
mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au