Lepidosperma canescens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lepidosperma canescens |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lepidosperma
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| Species: |
canescens
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Lepidosperma canescens, also known as the hoary rapier-sedge, is a type of grass-like plant called a sedge. It belongs to the Cyperaceae family. You can find this plant growing naturally in the southeastern parts of South Australia and in Victoria.
What Does the Hoary Rapier-Sedge Look Like?
The hoary rapier-sedge grows in clumps, meaning many stems grow close together. It is a perennial plant, which means it lives for more than two years. It has short underground stems called rhizomes.
Its main stems, called culms, are stiff and stand straight up. They are smooth and round, like a pencil. These stems can grow from 25 to 100 centimeters (about 10 to 40 inches) tall. They are about 0.8 to 2.0 millimeters wide. The leaves look a lot like the stems but are usually a bit shorter. They are about 0.7 to 2 millimeters wide.
The base of the leaves has coverings called sheaths. These sheaths are usually yellow-brown to dark grey-brown. Sometimes, they are a dark reddish color near the top. They are not sticky to the touch.
The plant's flowers grow in a special arrangement called an inflorescence. These flower clusters are shaped like a fan or an oblong. They are loose and stand upright, measuring about 3 to 8 centimeters long and 2 centimeters wide. The small, individual flower parts are called spikelets, and they are about 5 to 7 millimeters long.
After flowering, the plant produces a small, brown, shiny seed. This seed is shaped like an upside-down egg and is about 2 to 3 millimeters long and 1.0 to 1.3 millimeters wide.
How People Use the Hoary Rapier-Sedge
This sedge has been used for a long time by Aboriginal people. They used its strong stems for weaving different items. Today, an Aboriginal artist named Yvonne Koolmatrie still uses this plant for her beautiful weaving projects.
