Spiny-headed Mat-rush - native (Lomandra longifolia)

Family: Asparagaceae (Asparagus family).

Occurrence: Common to the higher rainfall forest south of Castlemaine.

The male and female flowers are on separate plants.

Recognise:

• it forms tough large tussocks
• the bracts (the floral leaves) at the base of the flower clusters are straw-coloured, narrow and pointed, giving a spiny appearance
• the leaves end in jagged points.

The spiny bracts may be very short or absent.

Name: longifolia: with long leaves.

Photos 1: Spiny-headed Mat-rush is often planted. White Horse Road, Box Hill. 2: Flower cluster. Lauriston.
3: Male flower clusters are often denser and more branched. Macarthur Park. 4: It is more common in wetter forests. Spargo Creek.