Scientific Name: Gahnia sieberiana

Common Name: redfruit sawsedge

Family Classification (Clade): Monocots

Family: Cyperaceae

Form Description: Perennial sedge with hollow stems, triangular in cross-section.

Flowers: Many clustered flowers in a dense, bristly honey-brown flower head which blackens with age, 25-90cm long.

Fruit: Nut – bright red, shining, 3-5mm long.

Municipality
Break O’DayBurnieCentral CoastCircular HeadDevonportDorsetGeorge TownKentishKing IslandKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonMeander ValleyWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Sedgeland and Wetland
Habitat Notes

In damp places, including the edges of swamps, wet heaths, roadside ditches and coastal areas in the north-west, Midlands and north-east.

Propagation Calendar

  • 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

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Most of the seed will remain held in the seed head for at least a month. Cut the seed heads with secateurs and allow to dry, then vigorously thresh against a hard surface to extract seed.

Seed Treatment Method

Storage Stratification at 3-5°C for up to 3 months may improve results. Place seed in a damp medium, lightly covered. Put moist seeds in a plastic bag and store in the fridge.

Seed Treatment Notes

Germinates readily from seed. Seed has an after-ripening period of 12 months.

Cutting & Division Information

Division of Gahnia species tends to have little success.