Scientific Name: Machaerina acuta
Common Name: pale twigsedge
Family Classification (Clade): Monocots
Family: Cyperaceae
Form Description: Perennial sedge with flattened stems, leaves often spirally twisted and blackened towards the tip.
Height (m): 0.05 – 0.45
Flowers: Flower head 2-5cm long.
Fruit: Nut – barrel-shaped, blackish and shining, 2-2.5mm long.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Coastal areas on sandy and peaty soils, in heaths and sedgelands.
General Notes
Reasonably drought tolerant once established. Resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi.
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
Seed germination is difficult.
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.
Seed Treatment Notes
Although large quantities of seed are produced by most species, results are usually very poor, and some species do not produce viable seed. Seed has a 6-12 month after-ripening period, and leaching of tannins is required. Natural weathering of the seed for one year, followed by smoke or heat treatment (70°C for 30 mins) may be successful. May be successful in direct seeding.
Cutting & Division Information
Usually propagated by division.