Jointed twigrush
Machaerina articulata, Fam. Cyperaceae
Perennial with short rhizomes and erect, tufted stems. Stems are terete, 5-10mm in diameter by 1-2m long, hollow and transversely septate. articulata meaning articulated, jointed in the leaf stalk. Previously Baumea articulata.
| Weed Category: | |
| Weed: | No |
| Form or habit: | Sedges, Rushes and allies |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Leaf: | Basal, stem-like with transverse septa and shiny brown sheaths. |
| Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Flower colour: |
Red, Brown |
| Flower description: | Drooping panicles up to 40cm long with branches subtended by bracts, lowest bract often has a long, terete ad septate blade. Spikelets red brown, numerous, one or three together, 4-6mm long. November to April. |
| Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Fruit colour: |
Brown, Red |
| Fruit: | |
| Fruit description: | Red brown, ovoid, three-angled, wrinkled nuts with corky edges. |
| Habitat: | Wetland. |
| Distribution | Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand. |
| Food source for: | Nuts eaten by water birds. |
| Toxicity: | No toxicity known |
| Origin: | Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand. |
| Notes: | Wetland indicator species. Plants are used as nesting sites by water birds. Suitable for artificial ponds. Will grow in water up to 1m deep. Planted in ponds for treating wastewater and urban runoff. Propagate by division or by planting smoke treated seed. |
| Information sources: | Florabase (2022) Baumea articulata (R.Br.) S.T.Blake., Florabase (2022) Machaerina articulata (R.Br.) T.Koyama., Melzer R. & Plumb J. (2007) Plants of Capricornia. |
