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

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