Saw-sedge, Cutting grass
Gahnia grandis

Family: Cyperaceae

What it is like

A sedge. It forms clumps and keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1.5-2.5 m high and spreads 2-3 m wide. The stems are slender and 2.5 m long. The leaves are 2.5 m long and narrow. They are like grass. They have a rough, saw edge and a channel on top. The flower stalk is 60 cm long. It is black. The branches can be erect or drooping. The spikelets are small. They have 2 flowers. These are cream and the seed or nut is 0.3 cm long and brown.

There are about 30-40 Gahnia species.

Where it is found

It grows in damp places. It grows in temperate places. It can be in lower alpine vegetation. Tasmanian Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The leaf buds are eaten.

Edible parts

Leaf base, seeds

How it is grown

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

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Scleria grandis Labill.;