GAHNIA aspera

Native sedge has long grass-like leaves with sharp, saw-edged margins and attractive flower spikes which are dark brown to black. After flowering it bears shiny, dark, red-brown seeds.

The seeds were pounded to produce flour by the Aboriginals. The leaf bases are also edible.

Adaptable to a range of moist soils in an open sunny position. Frost resistant but drought tender.

Please Note: Although many of the traditional Bush Food and Medicine plants are now commercially produced in various forms we recommend you research these before using them as any form of food or medicines. Some parts of the plant may not be edible or some may need prepared before they are safe to eat or use in any way. We do our best to describe their traditional & modern uses. It is the purchaser responsibility to ensure they are fit for their intended use.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C for this species

1. Sow on surface in swampy conditions.
2. Keep moist in a warm position away from direct sun at all times.
3. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Do not let dry out.
5. Can be difficult to germinate, germination may occur in around 21-28 days under ideal conditions but often takes longer.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.