Matrush
Lomandra longifolia, Fam. Laxmanniaceae
Clumped plant with long, straight, relatively flat leaves.
Weed Category: | |
Weed: | No |
Form or habit: | Grass or grass-like plant |
Family: | Laxmanniaceae |
Leaf: | Linear, flat to slightly concave to convex, sometimes rolled, 50-100 x 0.4-0.8cm. Apex has two or three teeth. |
Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
Flower colour: |
Yellow, Cream, Purple |
Flower description: | Panicles of flower clusters with conspicuous bracts that are no longer than the flowers; petals creamy yellow and sepals yellow or purplish. Male and female inflorescences occur separately but are similar in appearance. Spring to summer. |
Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
Fruit colour: |
Brown |
Fruit: | |
Fruit description: | Brown capsules, about 5mm long. |
Habitat: | Woodland. |
Distribution | Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania. |
Food source for: | Larval food plant of the black ringed ochre, brown ochre, orange ochre, silver studded ochre, small orange ochre, southern silver ochre, splendid ochre and yellow ochre butterflies. |
Toxicity: | No toxicity known |
Origin: | Australia. |
Notes: | Resprouts from the rootstock after fire. An attractive species for gardens. Grow from fresh seed or division of clumps. The white leaf bases are edible with a flavour resembling green peas. Lomandra longifolia is readily distinguished from L. hystrix because it has two to three apical teeth, whereas L. hystrix has a pointed apex with the teeth usually occurring well below the apex. The surface of L. hystrix fruit is transversely ridged. |
Information sources: | Melzer R. & Plumb J. (2007) Plants of Capricornia. |