Spiny-Headed Mat Rush - Lomandra longifolia (Kurawan) seeds

Lomandra longifolia - Spiny-Headed Mat Rush
A resilient native herb with culinary, medicinal, and practical uses, perfect for stabilising waterways and enhancing biodiversity.

Quick Facts

• Height: Leaves grow 40–80 cm long in a clumping, rhizomatous form.
• Flowers: Blooms from early spring to early summer; fruits in summer.
• Soil: Adaptable to sandy soils and a variety of other types; tolerates saline, coastal winds.
• Habitat: Found in wet zones, creek banks, rocky hillsides, cliffs, and open forests.
• Climate: Tolerates frost, heat, and drought; highly versatile.

Why Grow Lomandra longifolia?

Spiny-Headed Mat Rush is a tough and reliable plant with numerous applications in landscaping and bush food gardens. Its ability to stabilise riverbanks, provide shelter for wildlife, and withstand extreme conditions makes it a valuable addition to any garden. With its edible flowers and seeds, as well as traditional medicinal uses, this plant is both practical and rewarding.

Bush Food Note

Lomandra longifolia offers a variety of edible components:

• Leaf Bases: Edible raw or cooked, with a starchy taste.
• Flowers: Sweet, with a flavour resembling fresh green peas.
• Seeds:
  • Pounded into flour for baking or used whole.
  • Often mixed with native honey for a nutritious snack.

Bush Medicine

The roots and leaves of Mat Rush have traditional medicinal uses:

• Roots: Crushed to relieve pain from hairy grub and ant bites.
• Leaves: Strappy foliage was tightly wrapped around injured limbs to ease pain and swelling.

Disclaimer: Information about traditional bush medicine is provided for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.

Other Uses

• Weaving: Strappy leaves were used by Aboriginal people to create fine baskets, mats, and eel traps.
• Erosion Control: Ideal for stabilising riverbanks and other erosion-prone areas.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter for ground fauna and nectar for pollinators.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Sow seeds directly into well-draining soil; no pre-treatment required.
   • Cover lightly and water gently to settle seeds.

2. Position:

   • Plant in a sunny to partially shaded location.
   • Suitable for wet zones, rocky areas, and coastal gardens.

3. Care Tips:

   • Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.
   • Minimal pruning required; remove dead foliage to maintain a tidy appearance.
   • Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Uses in Your Garden

• Erosion Control: A top choice for stabilising creek banks and river edges.
• Bush Food Garden: Provides edible flowers, seeds, and leaf bases.
• Wildlife Habitat: Attracts pollinators and shelters small animals.
• Practical Landscaping: A hardy, low-maintenance plant for various soil types and climates.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Seeds germinate in 8–10 weeks at 25°C.
• Pre-Treatment: None required; simply sow and maintain soil moisture.
• Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist during germination without waterlogging.
• Light: Ensure seeds are in a bright location for optimal growth.

Order Now

Add the resilience and versatility of Lomandra longifolia to your garden. With its edible components, erosion control properties, and traditional uses, Spiny-Headed Mat Rush is a practical and beautiful native plant.

Order your Mat Rush seeds today and grow a piece of Australia’s natural heritage!