Square-stemmed Spike-rush - 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: Eleocharis tetraquetra

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 09 Jul 1999

Profile last updated: 21 Mar 2022

Description

A tufted perennial plant distinguished by its slender four-angled stem and broad spikelet on top of the stem. Stems grow 30 to 100 cm tall and are 1 – 1.5 mm in diameter. The leaves are at the base of the stem and are not very conspicuous, being reduced to tubular sheaths. The spikelet is 10 – 20 mm long and 3.5 – 5mm in diameter. The seeds are contained within the spikelet and are a shining yellow or brown colour, approximately 1.5 mm long and 1 mm wide.

Distribution

Thought to be extinct in NSW until it was rediscovered in 1997 at Boambee near Coffs Harbour. It has since been found in other north coast localities near Grafton and Murwillumbah. The species also occurs in south-east Queensland.

Habitat and ecology

Found in damp locations on stream edges and in and on the margins of freshwater swamps.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Clearing of habitat for development and agriculture.
Invasion of habitat by weeds and pasture grasses.
Changes to the natural disturbance patterns such as grazing, fire and flooding.
Degradation of habitat by intensive grazing by stock.
Poor knowledge of the species' distribution and abundance.
Small size of known extant populations make the species susceptible to local extinction.

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 30 priority actions to help recover the Square-stemmed Spike-rush in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Maintain unimproved pastures and native grasses and low intensity grazing.
Fence off known habitat at areas where grazing is intense.
Provide stock watering points away from streams and swamps.
Control and remove weeds on wetland margins and streambanks.
Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing or development.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1993) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 4. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (1999) Eleocharis tetraquetra Nees Recovery Plan. NSW NPWS, Hurstville NSW.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
NSW Scientific Committee (1999) Eleocharis tetraquetra (a sedge) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Coffs Coast and Escarpment	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Yuraygir	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Sandstones	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None

Images

Seed-head, Square-stemmed Spike-rush
Enlarge image

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