Eucalyptus jacksonii tree with Leptidosperma effusum understorey in Walpole-Nornalup National Park
Lepidosperma effusum, commonly known as the riverside sword sedge or spreading sword sedge, is an evergreen species of sedge that is native to southwest Western Australia.[1]
Description
The sedge has a robust and tufted habit typically growing in clumps to a height of 2.5 metres (8 ft) and a width of 2 metres (7 ft). It is rhizomatous and confined to damp areas. It flowers between April and November producing brown coloured flowers.[1]
It occurs along the edges of creeks and streams and around swamps from the Perth region south through the Margaret River region and eastwards to Albany where it grows in sandy or loamy soils.[1]
Lepidosperma effusum is sold commercially and can be grown in a full or part sun position and will tolerate a light frost.[4] It can be grown in large ceramic pots.[5]
Uses
Like many sedges, it is important to improve water quality it wetlands. The shallow spreading surface roots bind soil and prevent erosion. They form dense stands along foreshores or around wetlands that trap soil and water run-off, which in turn limits the transfer of nutrients into waterbodies. They can accumulate significant amounts of nutrients in stems and
rhizomes, and supporting bacterial transformation of nutrients and other pollutants on their
extensive root and rhizome mass. This species grows in areas with fresh or brackish water.[6]
