Machaerina arthrophylla
Fine Twig-sedge
Tufted perennial sedge spreading from a long underground stem. Stiff erect flowering stems are ridged, round in cross section to 2.5mm wide with 1 node.
Additional information
- SynonymBaumea arthrophylla
- FamilyCyperaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size0.3-1.3 m high
- Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
- LeavesBasal leaves round in cross section, to 1.5 mm diam., with some internal partitioning, shorter than stems; stem leaves much smaller; sheath dull, reddish or straw-coloured.
- Flower colourmid to dark red-brown
- Flowering timeSeptember to March
- FlowersErect, oblong flowerhead 8-55 cm long, many 2-4-flowered spikelets scattered along branches. Bract at base of flowerhead shorter than flowerhead. Nut to 2.5 mm, pale, 3-angled, white-hairy at tip.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatYes
- Growing conditionsAquatic, in swamps and lakes to 1 m deep. Full sun. Very limited distribution within the Shire.
- Garden usePlant in dams, pools and permanently wet areas.
- Commercially availableWholesale only - order in advance
- Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known only from the Yarra Flats. Scattered within Victoria.
- Related speciesConfused with Baumea rubiginosa which has a larger (to 4 mm) red-brown to bright orange, less angular nut, spikelets densely clustered and leaves and bracts flattened near the tips.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Peter Kinchington ©; 3, 4 Helen Moss ©
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