Scientific Name: Lepidosperma gladiatum

Common Name: coast swordsedge

Family Classification (Clade): Monocots

Family: Cyperaceae

Form Description: Robust sedge with flattened stems and sword-like leaves, 2cm wide, 1m or more long and all in one plane.

Flowers: Compact heads of brown flowers at the top of the stem, 15cm long by 6cm wide. Spikelets in dense clusters, change from pale red to black over time.

Fruit: Nut – small, pale to dark brown, 2-4mm long; contained in dry seed heads.

Municipality
Break O’DayBurnieClarenceDerwent ValleyDevonportDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayHuon ValleyKing IslandKingboroughLatrobeSorellTasmanWest CoastWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Coastal Vegetation
Habitat Notes

Coastal sands around the State.

Frost Tolerance

Moderate

General Notes

Resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi. Its leaves are used for weaving (contemporary), contributing interesting colour. Flower heads are also used in dried flower arrangements.

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, Division

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Very difficult to grow from seed. Some species retain seed on the plant for several years. Cut the whole seed head with secateurs and allow to dry. Beat against a hard surface to extract, being careful of sharp foliage.

Seed Treatment Notes

Seed is slow to germinate and may have low viability. Seed is reputed to germinate very slowly if sown in dark and moist conditions. A combined heat-smoke treatment may be worth trying, possibly with older seed.

Cutting & Division Information

Can be propagated by division over the winter months, but plants are slow to re-establish.