Lepidosperma squamatum facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lepidosperma squamatum
Scientific classification
Genus:	Lepidosperma
Species:	squamatum
Occurrence data from AVH

Lepidosperma squamatum is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the sedge family, called Cyperaceae. This plant grows naturally in Southwest Australia.

A scientist named Jacques Labillardière first described it in 1805. He wrote about it in his book, Novae Hollandiae Plantarum Specimen. The name squamatum comes from a Latin word meaning 'scale'. This refers to the shape of its bracts, which are like small leaves.

What Lepidosperma squamatum Looks Like

Lepidosperma squamatum is a herbaceous plant. This means it has soft stems, not woody ones like a tree. It can grow between 0.15 and 1 meter (about 0.5 to 3.3 feet) tall.

This plant is a tufted perennial. A perennial plant lives for more than two years. "Tufted" means it grows in clumps. It also spreads using rhizomes. These are underground stems that can grow new plants. Its brownish flowers appear from March to November.

Where This Plant Lives

Lepidosperma squamatum is found in Western Australia. It grows along the southwest coast, where there is a lot of rain. You can also find it on the eastern edge of the Esperance Plains. It reaches up to the northern part of the Geraldton Sandplains regions. These areas are all part of the Southwest Australia botanic province.

This plant likes to grow in different places. It can be found in sand dunes and swamps. It grows in soil that has gravel, sandy clay, or peaty sand. It also likes soil with limestone or laterite rock.

Good news! This plant is not considered to be in danger. Its conservation status shows it is not threatened.

How Lepidosperma squamatum Helps Nature

The seeds of Lepidosperma squamatum are a favorite food. They are eaten by red-eared firetails. These birds are a type of grass finch. They are found only in Australia.