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Rough Saw-sedge
Gahnia aspera
-27.4415, 152.922
Field Notes
Description:
Rough saw-sedge is a tussock forming perennial plant, and is a member of the family Cyperaceae. It is an Australian native. The long strap-like leaves grow to a length of approx. 80 cms. The fruit, which starts out encased in a dark husk, is bright red and attracts birds such as brush turkeys by colour and movement of the seed in the wind — the relatively indigestible fruit passes whole through the bird's system. This disperses the seeds away from the parent plant. It also serves as shelter for small birds such as the superb fairywren. Host plant for numerous butterfly species.
Habitat:
These specimens were found along the lake's edge of the Enoggera Reservoir, on the Araucaria Track. Sandy soil, leaf litter from surrounding eucalypts, sunny aspect. Drought tolerant, though it prefers moist soils. Grows in drier situations in rainforest, dry sclerophyll forest and woodland areas.
Notes:
The fruit of this species is edible and can be ground up into flour.
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