Gahnia clarkei
Tall Saw-sedge
Robust cane-like perennial tussock. Flowering stems stout, woody, often sprawling to erect, to 30mm wide.
Additional information
- 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
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2 D. Grieg ©, Australian National Botanic Gardens; 3 A. Lyne ©, Australian National Botanic Gardens
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