RED-FRUIT SAW SEDGE (Gahnia sieberiana) Seeds

Gahnia is a genus of about 30 species with around 20 being native to Australia. G.sieberiana, commonly known as the red-fruit saw-sedge, is a tussock-forming perennial plant in the family Cyperaceae, endemic to Australia. It is a widespread plant that favours damp sunny sites.

Gahnia sieberana is one of the most commonly seen members of the genus. It can form very large clumps 1.5 to 2 metres in diameter with flowering stems reaching 3 metres.

The flowers occur in spring and summer at the ends of the stems in long clusters (pannicles) and are black in colour. The flowers are followed by shiny, red-brown seeds about 4 mm long.

Hardy in most soils and climates but grows best if given plenty of water. The flowering spikes make excellent floral decoration either fresh or dried.

Bush Food: Edible white leaf bases (woody in dryer areas). Edible tiny red seeds. The seeds of Red fruited saw-sedge are known to have provided an important food source. The plant's small red seeds were finely ground to produce a form of flour which was traditionally used in the production of a type of bread.

Germination: Promote germination in Gahnia sieberiana by applying heat and smoked water, then incubating under summer temperatures.

Video by  Bushcraft Survival Australia