Exocarya scleroides (F.Muell.) Benth.

Cyperaceae

Bentham, G. (1877) Hooker's Icones Plantarum 13: t. 12.

Stems +/- triangular in transverse section. Flowers and fruits as a shrub 1-2 m tall.

Leaves arranged in three vertical rows. Leaf blades about 25-31 x 0.4 cm, margins finely toothed or clothed in prickly hairs. Venation parallel.

Inflorescence a panicle of short spikes. Flowers minute, each enclosed in a bract so that only the stigmas are visible. Each stamen is surrounded by a perianth segment. One ovule per flower.

Fruits about 4 x 3 mm. Seeds about 3 mm long.

Features not available.

Occurs in NEQ, CEQ and southwards as far as north-eastern New South Wales. Altitudinal range in northern Australia from 600-1600 m. Grows in open or disturbed areas in upland and mountain rain forest. Also occurs in New Guinea.

This is the typical regrowth species along roads and tracks in mountain rainforest. It grows to height of 2 metres or more and is a harbour for ticks and mites. The leaves are finely serrated on the margins and will easily cut through skin quite readily. See also Gahnia aspera.

Cladium scleroides F.Muell., Fragm. 9: 12(1875), Type: Queensland, Burnett & Dawson Rivers, Leichhardt; syn: MEL?; NSW, Tweed River?, T. Steel?; syn: MEL.