Plants of the Castlemaine District

Drain Flat-sedge - introduced (*Cyperus eragrostis)

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Other names: Umbrella Sedge.

Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family).

Native of tropical America.

Occurrence: A widespread and common weed, usually growing in damp places e.g. in drains and gutters and near streams. It is sometimes a lawn weed and invades damp bushland areas.

Identification:

In dry conditions it may die down, and re-shoot when moisture levels are higher. It is a perennial which spreads from seeds and by underground shoots.

Similar species: There are several moderately common native Cyperus species. The native species are often taller, and have brown to dark brown flowers which are often on more slender stalks

Photos 1: The flower clusters are on long or short stalks.
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2: Drain Flat-sedge, showing the flower clusters. The flowers are beginning to dry off to a straw colour. The bracts have been partly eaten.
3. A lawn weed.