Black Fruit Saw-Sedge - Gahnia melanocarpa (Black saw-sedge) seeds

Gahnia melanocarpa - Black fruit Saw-Sedge
A versatile native sedge, ideal for wetland restoration and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Quick Facts

• Height: Dense clumps of grass-like leaves reaching up to 1.5 meters (5 feet).
• Flowers: Small, brown or black inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
• Fruit: Distinctive small black fruits, ripening from February to March.
• Habitat: Found in wet forests, rainforest margins, swamps, and along watercourses.
• Soil: Prefers moist or seasonally inundated conditions; tolerates freshwater and brackish environments.
• Climate: Native to southeastern Australia, thriving in coastal and tableland areas.

Why Grow Gahnia melanocarpa?

The Blackfruit Saw-Sedge is a valuable addition to wetland gardens, erosion control projects, or native landscapes. Its dense clumping habit provides shelter and nesting opportunities for birds and small animals, while its fruit supports wildlife. Hardy and adaptable, it thrives in challenging conditions and enhances the biodiversity of any environment.

Bush Food Note

Gahnia melanocarpa offers edible resources traditionally used by Indigenous Australians:

• Leaf Bases: Edible raw or cooked, providing a starch-rich food source.
• Seeds: Ground to make flour.
• Leaf Buds: Consumed as a nutritious addition to meals.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Stratify seeds for 4–6 weeks by placing them in moist vermiculite or peat moss in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
   • After stratification, sow seeds on the surface of a well-draining germination medium.

2. Position:

   • Suitable for moist, sunny, or partially shaded locations.
   • Ideal for planting along watercourses, in wetlands, or seasonally inundated areas.

3. Care Tips:

   • Keep soil consistently moist during establishment.
   • Avoid over-fertilising to maintain native plant resilience.
   • Once established, it requires minimal maintenance and is drought-tolerant.

Uses in Your Garden

• Wetland Restoration: Perfect for swampy areas and water edges.
• Erosion Control: Dense root systems stabilise soil along watercourses.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small animals.
• Ornamental Value: Adds texture and structure to native landscapes.

Germination Tips

• Stratification: Required to break dormancy; chill seeds for 4–6 weeks before sowing.
• Medium: Use a mix of peat moss and perlite or vermiculite for optimal results.
• Moisture: Keep the germination medium consistently moist using a mist spray.
• Timeframe: Germination is slow and irregular, taking weeks to months. Patience is key.

Order Now

Enhance your garden or wetland project with Gahnia melanocarpa. Its ecological benefits, bush food potential, and striking appearance make it an invaluable addition to any native planting.

Order your Blackfruit Saw-Sedge seeds today and support Australia's biodiversity!