A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Cyperus polystachyos (syn. Pycreus polystachyos)
Bunchy sedge is a tufted, long-lived, grass-like plant with upright flowering stems growing up to 80 cm tall. It belongs to the Cyperaceae family of graminoid (grass-like), monocotyledonous flowering plants known as sedges. Native to large parts of northern and eastern Australia, and is widespread in south-eastern Queensland. Also native in many countries and widespread in the warmer parts of the world. It is considered a weed in many areas.
Bunchy sedge is a weed of crops, drainage channels, pastures, disturbed sites, waste areas, roadside ditches, footpaths and gardens, and grows naturally in damp habitats (i.e. swamps and wetlands) and occasionally also on drier sandy soils. This pond was situated in remnant eucalyptus woodland on the campus of Griffith University, Mt. Gravatt, which is adjacent to the Mt. Gravatt Conservation Reserve.
I wasn't aware of this plant until I saw the northern mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) feeding on it. She was particularly fond of the dry seed heads (5th and 6th photos).
No Comments