Variable Sword-Sedge
Lepidosperma laterale
Tufted or clumped rigid tough sedge to 1.5 m with a very short rhizome. Smooth hairless flat or slightly convex leaves 2-8 mm wide with reddish-brown sheaths at the base. Linear erect flowerhead with dark reddish-brown flowers, drying to pale to dark brown shining nuts.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Flora Type | Sedges, rushes |
| Former Scientific Name | L. lineare, L. gunnii, L. curtisiae, L. lateraleÃ_var.Ã_angustum, L. Angustifolium |
| Distinctive Features | Shorter leaves may be twisted. |
| Biology | Perennial. Common and widespread on well-drained sandy soils and rocky hillsides in a variety of woodland, forest and scrub environments. Also NZ and New Caledonia. |
| Native Status | Native |
| Flowering Time | Sep-Mar |
| Taxonomy | |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants) |
| Class | Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants) |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Genus | Lepidosperma |
| Species | laterale |
The reddish leaf sheath was used in Vic by the Aboriginal people as a contrast in basket weaving. Important food source for birds.
| Interesting Facts | |
|---|---|
| Similar Species | Variable species. Synonymous with L. lineare, L. gunnii, L. curtisiae, L. lateraleÃ_var.Ã_angustumÃ_and L. angustifolium. |
| Native Status | Native |