Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants - Online edition
Gymnostachys anceps R.Br.
Brown, R. (1810) Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae : 337. Type: R. Brown (BM, K).
Traveller's Grass; Sword-sedge; Settler's Twine; Settler's Flax; Caterpillar Flower
Usually flowers and fruits as a shrub about 2 m tall.
Fruits about 14-16 x 9-10 mm. Seeds teardrop-shaped, about 13 x 7 mm. Seeds green.
First pair of true leaves +/- linear, cataphyll-like, longitudinally veined, not differentiated into a leaf blade and petiole. Base sheathing the stem. At the tenth leaf stage: leaves linear, venation longitudinal and parallel, not differentiated into a leaf blade and petiole. Base sheathing the stem. Margins toothed +/- from the base to the apex. Teeth irregularly shaped. Seed germination time 79 to 152 days.
Endemic to Australia, occurs in NEQ, CEQ and southwards as far as south-eastern New South Wales. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 1100 m. Grows as an understory plant in undisturbed rain forest.