Coast sword-sedge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Coast sword-sedge
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Cyperaceae
Genus:	Lepidosperma
Species:	L. gladiatum
Binomial name
Lepidosperma gladiatum Labill.
Occurrence data from AVH
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The coast sword-sedge, also called coastal sword-sedge, is a cool plant found along the southern coasts of Australia. Its scientific name is Lepidosperma gladiatum. This plant stays green all year round and is a type of sedge, which is like a grass. A French botanist named Jacques Labillardière first described it in 1805. The Noongar people, who are Indigenous Australians, call this plant kerbein.

What Does the Coast Sword-Sedge Look Like?

The coast sword-sedge often grows in thick clumps. It loves sandy areas like dunes and along creek banks. This plant is a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years. It has strong roots that grow straight down.

It forms big, dense groups of dark green leaves. These leaves look like long straps. They can be up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) long and 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch) wide. Each leaf has a very sharp, pointed tip. The whole plant can grow as tall and wide as 3 meters (about 10 feet), but it's usually a bit smaller.

Flowers of the Sword-Sedge

The coast sword-sedge produces brown, spiky flowers. These flowers grow on long stems that come from the center of the plant. Interestingly, these flowers are hermaphroditic. This means each flower has both male and female parts.

Where Does the Coast Sword-Sedge Grow?

You can find the coast sword-sedge in coastal areas all around southern Australia. It grows in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. In Southwest Australia, it can be found quite far north, near a town called Cervantes. It also grows as far east as Cape Arid National Park.

How is the Coast Sword-Sedge Used?

The seeds of the coast sword-sedge are a favorite food for some birds. For example, people have used the seedheads to feed captive red-eared firetails. These are small, finch-like birds. The way these birds skillfully get the seeds out and how much they enjoy them suggests that they probably eat these seeds in their natural homes too.