Botanical name:

Gahnia setifolia 

Common name(s):

Māpere, gahnia, giant gahnia, razor sedge

About:

A large and robust fine-leaved forest tussock that arises from a stout and well-established rootstock. The foliage, which ranges in colour from a rich dark green to a striking yellow-green, is extremely sharp and is notably prone to cutting. This characteristic sharpness is the reason behind its common European name, razor sedge, which aptly reflects its unique and somewhat hazardous nature.

Natural habitat: 

Coastal to montane, up to 780m possibly higher. Mostly in lowland areas in light forest, scrub along logging tracks in pine plantations and cut over indigenous forest and lining streams, rivers, ponds and lakes. Sometimes colonising the fringes of swamps, bogs and mires.

Growing environment:

Sun, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout New Zealand’s North Island & Nelson and Marlborough Sounds in the South.

Height: 3m 

Flowering:  

November – March

Fruiting:

Orange-brown fruit can 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 but does best in full sun in a well drained or only seasonally wet soil.