Botanical name:

Gahnia rigida

Common name(s):

Gahnia

About:

Gahnia rigida is an upright sedge that can be found in various regions across New Zealand, growing in a narrow belt that ranges from coastal areas to lowland forests. During the flowering season, it reaches an impressive overall height of between 60 cm and 2 m. This plant is particularly distinguished by the erect habit of its flowering panicle, which sets it apart from other species. It thrives best when situated in a sunny spot that offers well-drained soil conditions.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland in swamps, bogs, mires and pakihi - often forming the dominant cover.

Growing environment:

Sun, Coastal, Wetland & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island near Pureora, Mamaku Plateau, Mangaroa Swamp and South Islands from western Nelson and Westland to about Haast.

Height: 2m

Flowering: 

December – March

Fruiting:

Fruits may be found 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 though it does best in full sun in an acidic, well drained soil.