Mat-rush, Long-leaf mat-rush, Sagg, Spiny-headed Mat-rush
Lomandra longifolia

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A tussock or rush like plant. It grows 1 m high. It spread 60 cm to 1 m wide. It keeps growing from year to year. The root system is crowded into a clump. The leaves are long and narrow. They are tough but flexible. They can be 1 m long by 1 cm wide. They have flat or slightly in-rolled edges. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. They are tiny and cream coloured. They are about 4 mm long and grouped in clusters 1-2 cm long. These are also grouped along flattened flowering branches 60 cm long. There is a sharp pointed spiny bract 2 cm long at the base of each flower. They flowers are fragrant.

There are about 50 Lomandra species. Also put in the family Dasypogonaceae and Xanthorrhoeaceae.

Where it is found

It grows from temperate to tropical regions. It grows along creek banks. It occurs in coastal heaths, in dry open forests. It needs well drained soil. It can stand light frost. In Tasmania it grows from sea level to 750 m altitude. In the Cairns Botanical Gardens. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Hobart Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 8-12. Tasmanian Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The white leaf bases are edible and have a flavour like green peas. The flowers are eaten raw. The flowers are also soaked in lemon juice and strained to make a juice drink. The seeds are ground for use in damper.

Edible parts

Leaf base, flowers, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by division of the clump.

Its other names

Local names

Karawun

Synonyms

Xerotes longifolia (Labill.) R. Br.; Xerotes arenaria R. Br.;