Botanical name:

Gahnia lacera 

Common name(s):

Cutty grass, Tarangarara

About:

Tarangarara is a distinctive tussock-forming perennial plant that develops a tufted, glossy yellow-green tussock-like growth, which adds a unique aesthetic to its environment. The yellowish-green leaves are notable for their sharp cutting edges, which contribute to its intriguing European name. Additionally, the short flowering stems of this plant are notably stiff, and the delicate panicles are subsequently followed by shiny black fruit, completing the plant's striking appearance.

Natural habitat: 

Coastal to lowland (rarely extending up to 500m in mountain ranges close to the sea). Colonising a variety of substrates which may be seasonally waterlogged though otherwise dry. Usually found in scrub or open forest.

Growing environment:

Sun, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island from sedge found from North Cape to Whanganui.

Height: 1.5m

Flowering: 

July - November 

Fruiting:

Shiny black fruits may be present throughout the year.

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Can be difficult to cultivate. The seed is difficult to germinate, and plants resent root disturbance and usually die if transplanted. However, considerable success has been achieved growing plants and/or germinating seed in untreated saw dust. Despite these problems this is an attractive species well worth attempting to grow. Once established it flourishes in a range of conditions but does best in full sun in a well drained or only seasonally wet soil.