Knob Sedge

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Knob Sedge - Paul Gullan/Viridans Images

Carex inversa

Small, loosely tufted spreading sedge. Leaves bright, shiny green to about 20 cm. Slender flowering stems shorter than the flowerstems. Sheath dark brown. Female flowers above the male and have a small hook-like projection (awn) from the top of each flower which are covered in a thin sac (utricle) opening near the top and enveloping seeds.

Details
Flora Type
Sedges, rushes
Distinctive Features

Short clusters of flowerheads held close to the stem. Long leaf-like sheaths under each flowerhead, up to 15 mm long.
Biology

Perennial. This species has long underground stems. Occurs widely through the landscape but especially in damper soils. Can colonise open sites, particularly grasslands. Resprouts after fire.
Native Status
Native
Flowering Time

Sep-Apr
Taxonomy
Phylum
Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants)
Class
Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants)
Order
Poales
Family
Cyperaceae
Genus
Carex
Species
inversa

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Appears to be a favoured host for caterpillars of the tiny glittering Sedge Moths Glyphipterix spp. The stem of Carex species was used for making string and baskets by Aboriginal people.

Interesting Facts
Native Status
Native