Flecked Flat-sedge - a native (Cyperus gunnii)

Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family).

Native of eastern Australia.

Occurrence: A wetland plant. Lake beds, beside streams etc.

Identification:

• as with many sedges, the stems are triangular in cross section
• it usually grows to about a metre
• the flowers are numerous, and clustered into dense heads
• the flowers contain numerous (about 12) brown scales (glumes)
• the flowers radiate so that the flower clusters have a starry appearance
• three or four long leaves (bracts) radiate from the base of the flowers
• the leaves at the base are long and grass-like.

The flowers often have a flecked appearance.

Similar species: The introduced Drain Flat-sedge has green flowers. Several native sedges resemble Flecked Flat-sedge. Giant Sedge (Cyperus exaltatus) is taller (to 2 m) and has more flowers and larger clusters. Flat Sedge (Cyperus lhotskyanus) is smaller (10-60 cm) and has relatively stout flower stalks.

Photos 1,2: Flecked Flat-sedge. Loddon River at Glenluce.