Botanical name:

Gahnia pauciflora

Common name(s):

Cutting sedge, tupari maunga

About:

Gahnia pauciflora is a native tufted, bright green to yellow-green perennial sedge found in various habitats across New Zealand. This striking plant is characterised by its dangling orange-brown, and occasionally yellow-cream, nuts, which feature a distinctive black apex that enhances its visual appeal. Additionally, G. pauciflora plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as it serves as both a host and food plant for the rare and beautiful forest ringlet butterfly (Dodonidia helmsii), highlighting its significance beyond mere ornamental value.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane areas (up to 800m - possibly higher). Usually in forests.

Growing environment:

Sun, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North Island, South Island (where confined to Nelson and Marlborough).

Height:

Flowering: 

September – January

Fruiting:

Orange-brown (sometimes yellow cream) nuts (fruits) throughout the year

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Hedging, Riparian plantings, Forests, Pioneer Plantings  & Shelter belts, timber

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.