Gahnia aspera: is a member of the Cyperaceae family and is one of the Saw Sedges.
Gahnia aspera is a tufted perennial. The flowering stems or culms are up to one metre long. Leaves are about 80 centimetres long, channelled and very rough on the underside. Be careful when handling the leaves as they are capable of inflicting deep cuts. Saw Sedge is an apt name for the species.
Flowers are cream and carried in dense terminal clusters. The flowers are followed by nuts that are brownish red to bright shiny red. The nuts are an attractive feature of Gahnia aspera.
This Saw Sedge is a decorative plant that tolerates semi-shade. Plants reach their full potential in moist soil. The stiff foliage allows plants to survive most frosts.
Gahnia aspera is a widespread species that is found along the Great Dividing Range and coastal areas from northern Queensland to southern New South Wales. Saw Sedge also occurs in South-east Asia.
Gahnia aspera is common in Cathedral Rock National Park, east of Armidale in northern New South Wales. The specimen illustrated was growing in Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, south of Sydney.
Gahnia aspera would be a dramatic addition to native garden beds. Plants should be kept away from borders and paths because of the savagery of the foliage.
Propagate from seed or division. This latter activity could prove to be rather painful. Seeds have proved difficult to germinate. Perhaps the hard seed coat could be damaged by filing to allow water to penetrate.

Plants