Scientific Name: Eleocharis sphacelata
Common Name: tall spikesedge
Family Classification (Clade): Monocots
Family: Cyperaceae
Form Description: Tall perennial sedge with erect, jointed, hollow stems and a stout woody rhizome.
Flowers: In cylindrical spikes, 3-6cm long.
Fruit: Nut – 2.5mm long and straw-coloured. Seed heads dry and turn brown when seed is ripe.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Riparian vegetation and wetlands, in slowly flowing streams and shallow water. King Island, north-east, west coast, Central Highlands, Midlands, east coast and south-west.
General Notes
Bird attracting. Provides habitat for many birds and other animals. Used for basket weaving (contemporary).
Propagation Calendar
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Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
Easily grown from seed. Seed heads release nuts easily when ripe. Seed is released within 3-14 days of seed maturity.
Seed Treatment Method
Bog Method The seeds of many wetland species need to be kept wet to germinate. Punch a hole in the side of a recycled polyfoam box so that it holds water to the required depth. Sit the tubes in the box to germinate. Once germinated, punch holes in the bottom of the box to allow drainage.
Cutting & Division Information
Grown easily by division.