Machaerina rubiginosa
Soft Twig-sedge
Tufted perennial sedge spreading from a short thick underground stem. Stiff erect flowering stems are ridged, round to bi-convex in cross section 1-5mm wide with 1-2 nodes.
Additional information
- SynonymBaumea rubiginosa
- FamilyCyperaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size0.3-1 m high
- Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
- LeavesBasal leaves roundish in cross section, flattened towards tip, broader than stems, 1.5-7 mm diam., often longer than stems; stem leaves much smaller; sheath dull, straw-coloured.
- Flower colourRed-brown
- Flowering timeSeptember to March
- FlowersErect, oblong flowerhead 7-35 cm long, many 2-3-flowered spikelets densely clustered along branches. Bract at base of flowerhead shorter than flowerhead. Nut to 4 mm, orange to pale red-brown, oval.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatYes
- Growing conditionsMoist to wet sandy soils in heathlands and swamps. Full sun, semi-shade.
- Garden useUseful in permanently moist areas, beside ponds and in water run-off areas.
- Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Related speciesConfused with Baumea arthrophylla which has a smaller (to 2.5 mm) straw-coloured to whitish, 3-angled nut, spikelets in scattered clusters.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©
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