Citation: L., Sp. Pl. 325 (1753).

Synonymy: Not Applicable

Common name: Sharp (or spiny) rush.

Description:
Perennial stems arising from a rhizome, to 130 cm high, c. 4 mm diam., with a continuous pith, rigid, cylindrical; leaves few, almost as long, stem-like, with pungent points, not septate.

Panicle compound, lateral, compact, with many spreading branches, the individual clusters more or less rounded, often c. 3 mm diam.; primary bract broad at the base, much exceeding the panicle; flowers reddish-brown.

Segments 2.5-4 mm long, acute, much shorter than the mucronate broadly ovoid brown capsule; stamens 6; seeds with a loose testa and tailed, usually at both ends.

Published illustration: Cunningham et al. (1982) Plants of western New South Wales, p. 176; Ross-Craig (1973) Drawings Brit. Pl. 30:12.

Distribution:  Occurs mainly in damp places along the coast, but also inland wet areas of high salinity. S.Aust.: FR, EA, EP, NL, MU, YP, SL, KI, SE.   W.Aust.; N.S.W.; Vic.   New Zealand; native to Europe, Africa and the Americas. Conservation status: naturalised Flowering time: throughout the year.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: No text

Author: Not yet available