Water Nutgrass - 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: Cyperus aquatilis

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 11 Oct 2022

Description

An ephemeral sedge that appears after rain It grows to 10 – 30 cm tall, and has weak triangular stems. The leaves are 1 – 3 mm wide and shorter than the flowering stem. The flower- and seed-head is made up of several branches radiating from the top of the stem. Each branch has one to eight flattened spikelets 3 mm wide with 10 – 30 green flowers. The seeds are three-sided nuts, whitish to pale brown.

Distribution

In NSW, a sedge from at least six localities north of Coffs Harbour . Also occurs in Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and New Guinea.

Habitat and ecology

Grows in ephemerally wet sites, such as roadside ditches and seepage areas from small cliffs and rock outcrops in sandstone areas.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Clearing for agriculture or development.
Browsing and trampling by stock.
Damage to plants and habitat during road-works.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Fence off wet habitat areas to protect them from domestic stock.
Identify populations along roadsides and protect them during road-works.
Protect wet sites and seepage areas 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 (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Predicted	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

Related information

NSW Flora Online - Cyperus aquatilis

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Nature conservation

Threatened species