Cyperaceae

n/a

Fast growing perennial forming vertical, fine, leafless, grey-green, hollow stems. Has a short rhizome. Forms dense stands under favourable conditions. Flowers at tips of stems and are usually dark-brown or variegated (Sep-May).

In shallow water in streams, swamps, gilgais, drains, roadside table-drains and depressions where water lies periodically. Common in margins of irrigation channels. Prefers clay sediment. Wet or flooded soils and moist situations. Grows year-round if sufficient moisture available. Dense growth may reduce irrigation channel flow, but probably removes pollutants from waste water. Prefers 300-500 mm rainfall in Riverina region.

Seedheads turn dry and brow when ripe. Easily propagated by division of rhizome in spring or early summer, or from seed using bog method.

Useful for ponds, edges of dams and bog gardens. Best planted over summer (establishes easily, but may spread rapidly in shallow water). Useful protection for waterbirds and fish in dams. Important for some frog species, such as Sloane’s Froglet which lay theur eggs on the fine stems. Fruit a food source for wildlife. Tubers can be eaten raw, baked, or ground into flour.