Klaphake's Sedge - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Carex klaphakei

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 03 Mar 2000

Profile last updated: 24 Jul 2019

Description

Klaphake's Sedge is a perennial that grows from underground stems (rhizomes). The erect flower-stem (culm) is oval in cross-section and is up to 160 cm long and 1.2 mm in diameter. The flower spikes are up to 1.5 cm long and can be single or up to three spikes may form in a cluster. Flowers are inconspicuous. Modified leaves associated with the flower (bracts) are 4 mm long, and pale yellowish-brown to redish-brown. The fruit is a narrow-elliptical nut to 2.5 mm long.

Distribution

Carex klaphakei is found in only three locations, from the Blue Mountains (at Blackheath and Mt Werong) to the Southern Highlands (at Penrose).

Habitat and ecology

Grows with other native sedges and rushes in swamps on sandstone at altitudes of greater than 600 m.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Runoff into sites from urban areas and highways.
Grazing and trampling by stock causing root damage, prevention of seedling establishment and erosion.
Sandmining
Clearfelling of nearby pine forest.
Trampling from recreational users and potential impacts associated with the maintenance of the Rhododendron Gardens
Erosion on adjacent private property resulting in siltation of the creek and altered creek habitat.
Restricted distribution - likely to be other populations in the area
Various Weeds of National Significance have invaded the site competing for space and resources

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 5 priority actions to help recover the Klaphake's Sedge in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Ensure appropriate management of commercial activities to ensure no detrimental affects on sites.
Ensure runoff from above sites is controlled.
Avoid the introduction of heavy, prolonged grazing on sites where this species occurs.

Information sources

Benson, D. and McDougall, L. (2002) Ecology of Sydney plant species. Part 9: Monocotyledon families Agavaceae to Juncaginaceae. Cunninghamia 7(4): 695-930
NSW Scientific Committee (2000) Carex klaphakei (a tall perennial herb) - Endangered species determination - final.
Wilson K.L. (1996) A new Australian species of Carex (Cyperaceae) and notes on two other species. Telopea 6(4): 569-577

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South Eastern Highlands	Oberon	Known	East of the Oberon to Goulburn Road and above 600 m altitude
Sydney Basin	Burragorang	Known	Above 600 m altitude
Sydney Basin	Wollemi	Known	Above 600 m altitude

Images

Herbarium sample, Klaphake's Sedge <a href="http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Botanic Gardens Trust</a>

Herbarium sample, Klaphake's Sedge Botanic Gardens Trust Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

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