Pale Mat-rush
Lomandra nana
Tufted herb to 15 cm tall. Leaves blue-green, usually flat, erect, curved to one side. Flower spikes held near base of plant. Flowers spring-summer.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Flora Type | Sedges, rushes |
| Distinctive Features | Shorter strap-like leaves, often curved. Creamy-yellow flower spikes develop into roundish seed capsules. |
| Biology | Perennial. Male and female flowers on separate plants. |
| Native Status | Native |
| Flowering Time | Aug-Dec |
| Taxonomy | |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants) |
| Class | Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants) |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Lomandra |
| Species | nana |
Seeds are eaten by native birds. Food plant for caterpillars of native butterflies and moths. The nectar of the flowers was eaten by Aboriginal people.
| Interesting Facts | |
|---|---|
| Similar Species | Very close in appearance to Pale Mat-rush L. glauca and taxonomic work is needed to sort out these species. |
| Native Status | Native |