Fimbristylis acicularis facts for kids

Fimbristylis acicularis is a type of grass-like plant called a sedge. It belongs to the Cyperaceae family, which is a group of plants similar to grasses. This sedge is originally from the northern and northeastern parts of Australia.

What is Fimbristylis acicularis?

This plant is a perennial sedge, meaning it lives for more than two years. It grows from underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes help the plant spread and grow new shoots.

Fimbristylis acicularis usually grows to be about 15 to 25 centimeters (6 to 10 inches) tall. It often grows in a tufted way, meaning many stems grow closely together from one spot. The plant produces green flowers. You can usually see these flowers between April and July.

How Was It Named?

The plant was first officially described by a botanist named Robert Brown. He wrote about it in 1810 in his book called Prodromus florae Novae Hollandiae et insulae Van-Diemen, exhibens characteres plantarum quas annis. This book was very important for describing plants from Australia.

Fimbristylis acicularis has had many different names over time. These old names are called synonyms. Some of them include Scirpus acicularis and Fimbristylis australica.

The second part of its scientific name, acicularis, comes from Latin. It means "needle-shaped." This probably describes the plant's thin, pointed leaves or stems.

Where Does It Grow?

You can find Fimbristylis acicularis in several parts of Australia. In Western Australia, it grows in coastal areas of the Kimberley region. It likes wet places like swamps, along creeks, and other damp spots.

Its home also extends across the coastal areas of the Top End in the Northern Territory. You can also find it along the coast of Queensland. It prefers to grow in places that are often wet or have plenty of moisture.