Tall spike rush
Eleocharis sphacelata
Family: Cyperaceae
What it is like
A sedge. These grow in clumps and have grass like leaves and solid stalks. It is a robust plant which grows in water. It sticks up above the water. It grows to 1.5 m high and spreads to 1 m across. The rhizome roots in the mud. The underground stem or rhizome is 5-6 mm across. The rhizome is thick and woody and produces 2 rows of stems. These stems are 0.5-2 m long by 0.5-1.1 cm wide. They are long narrow stalks which are hollow. The end is blunt. They are leafless. They can produce sterile scales or a flower arrangement. The flower spike is 3-6.5 cm long by 0.4-1.3 cm wide. The fruit is a nut about 0.2 cm long. It is yellow and hard.
Plants can spread rapidly and become a problem. There are about 160 Eleocharis species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in clumps in fresh water. The water can be flowing or still. It can grow in shallow water or water 2 m deep. It is frost resistant but drought tender. It prefers a sunny position. Tasmanian Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), New Zealand, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The starch from the underground stems is eaten. The rhizome can be cooked and eaten.
Edible parts
Stem starch, rhizome, root
How it is grown
Plamts are normally grown by dividing the rootstock.
Its other names
Local names
Djabren