Family:
Cyperaceae
Cyperus spp.
Sedge
Other Names: n/a
Regional Subspecies:
refer to text
HABIT:
Tufted perennial sedges. Size and flowering vary between species; C. exaltatus tussocks to 1.8 m high
HABITAT & SITE PREFERENCE:
Near water: creek and river banks, lake shores, and swamp margins. Prefer 300 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region. Can become weedy in irrigation channels.
SEED COLLECTION & PROPAGATION:
Collect seed January to February. Propagate from seed or by division of rhizomes. Recommended species: C. exaltatus (Giant Sedge) [pictured] and C. gymnocaulos (Spiny Sedge).
VALUES & USES:
Valuable for soil erosion control along streams due to fibrous roots. Provides good habitat for small birds and frogs, and food for caterpillars of native butterflies and moths. Ornamental for wet garden positions or as an emergent aquatic. Occasionally utilised by stock in poor feed times.