Cliff 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: Cyperus rupicola

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 01 Nov 2002

Profile last updated: 14 Oct 2024

Description

The Cliff Sedge is a tussock-forming perennial herb. It has three-sided, green flower-bearing stems, which are often rough textured, up to 100 cm high and 5 mm across. The leaves are 6-9 mm wide, and sometimes longer than the flower-bearing stems. Flowers occur in clusters of small spikes at the ends of 6 to 10 branches up to 18 cm long. These branches radiate from the top of the flower-bearing stem, and are surrounded by 5 to 8 leaf-like structures which can be up to 45 cm long. The fruit is a small three-sided nut which is egg-shaped and dark brown to yellow-brown.

Distribution

Cliff Sedge is found in southern Queensland and north-eastern NSW. It is known from only two locations in NSW, near Mt Warning and within Nightcap National Park.

Habitat and ecology

Cliff Sedge grows amongst rocks on the exposed tops of cliffs and on cliff faces or at the base of cliffs, near forest.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

The species is susceptible to extinction via stochastic processes due to its small known population size and restricted distribution.
Rock-climbing in habitat areas.
Trampling by walkers.
Lack of knowledge on distribution, size of the population, and demographics due to the difficultly in accessing habitat on the escarpment
Extended drought and a lack of cloud over leads to drying out. The species needs constant moisture and is reliant on ground water seepage.
Weeds such as crofton weed, mistflower, rag weed and exotic perennial grasses are present around disturbed areas such as landslips and walking tracks.

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 Cliff Sedge in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Protect cliff-edge and cliff base habitat from trampling by staying on established tracks.
Control rock climbing activities in known habitat.
Protect habitat on private land from clearing, logging and inappropriate burning.
Report new occurrences of the Cliff Sedge to the DEC.
Conduct searches for further populations in likely habitat.

Information sources

NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Cyperus rupicola (a sedge) - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
Stanley, T.D. and Ross, E.M. (1986) Flora of South-Eastern Queensland. Volume 2. Queensland Department of Primary Industries: Brisbane.
Wilson, K.L. (1993) Cyperaceae. In Harden G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales Volume 4. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.