Green mat-rush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green mat-rush |
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Xerotes hystrix (Labill.) R.Br. |
Lomandra hystrix, also known as green mat-rush or creek mat-rush, is a strong plant that lives for many years. It grows all over eastern Australia. This plant has special underground stems called rhizomes that help it spread and grow new plants.
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Discovering Green Mat-Rush
Two scientists, Lilian Ross Fraser and Joyce Winifred Vickery, were the first to officially describe Lomandra hystrix. They published their discovery in a science paper in 1937.
What Does Green Mat-Rush Look Like?
The leaves of the green mat-rush are long and thin. They can grow to be about 80 to 100 centimeters (about 31 to 39 inches) long. Each leaf is usually about 10 to 20 millimeters (about 0.4 to 0.8 inches) wide.
Where Does It Grow?
You can often find this plant growing next to rivers and streams. It likes to live in rainforest areas, especially in mountains and uplands.
Special Uses of the Plant
Green mat-rush is very useful! People often plant it to help bring nature back to an area, which is called revegetation. It's also great for stopping dirt from washing away, a process known as erosion control.
The plant's leaves have a fleshy base that is starchy and can be eaten. It tastes a bit like raw peas. This plant is very tough. Even if its roots are showing, it can hold on tightly in poor soil.
How It's Different from Other Plants
Lomandra hystrix is quite similar to another plant called Lomandra longifolia. They have similar inner parts of their flowers. However, you can tell them apart by looking at the tips of their leaves. Also, Lomandra hystrix has different branching patterns in its flowers.
