Coastal Forest Sedge

Botanical name: Carex raoulii
Synonyms: Carex macmahoni
Common name(s): Coastal forest sedge, Raoul’s sedge

About:
A distinctive coastal sedge that forms dense tussocks of soft grassy foliage. Mature flowering stems elongate dramatically and may reach several metres in length, arching and drooping beyond the foliage. This uncommon endemic species is associated with coastal and lowland shrubland habitats.

Natural habitat:
Coastal shrublands, coastal forest margins and lowland scrub communities.

Growing environment:
Prefers well-drained soils in coastal and lowland environments. Adaptable to a range of conditions and grows well in full sun or partial shade.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Occurs in both the North and South Islands, though its exact distribution remains uncertain due to past confusion with similar species.

Height:
500–900 mm tall, with mature flowering stems sometimes extending to 3 m long.

Width:
Forms dense tussocks over time.

Flowering:
No reliable information available.

Fruiting:
No reliable information available.

Uses:

• Coastal restoration planting
• Native shrubland revegetation
• Erosion control
• Habitat restoration
• Native garden planting
• Textural landscape planting
• Coastal gardens

Appearance:

Growth habit:
Densely tufted tussock-forming sedge with arching flowering stems that elongate and droop as they mature.

Leaves:
Dark yellow-green to wine-red, soft and grassy, 2–4 mm wide, with finely roughened margins.

Flowers:
Flower spikes are tightly clustered near the top of the stem, with upper spikes often partly male and female, while lower spikes are female.

Fruit:
Produces light reddish-brown utricles with pale veins and slightly winged margins. The seeds are enclosed within these protective structures which aid dispersal.

Ecology:
A component of coastal shrubland ecosystems where it contributes to ground cover diversity and provides habitat structure. Seeds are dispersed by wind and animals.

Associated habitats:
Coastal shrubland, coastal forest margins, lowland scrub, cliff-top vegetation and sandy coastal habitats.

How to grow:
Easy to grow from fresh seed or by division. Plant in full sun or partial shade in free-draining soil. Suitable for coastal gardens and native restoration projects.

Propagation:
Readily propagated from fresh seed and by division of established clumps.

Cultural use:
Part of New Zealand’s indigenous coastal flora and representative of the specialised sedges adapted to coastal environments.

Garden value:
Valued for its fine-textured foliage and unusual long arching flowering stems. A useful species for adding movement and natural character to coastal and native garden plantings.