Hollow Rush (Juncus amabilis)

Hollow Rush (Juncus amabilis)

Hollow Rush grows in damp areas but also tolerates dryer summer months. It provides excellent habitat for small birds, lizards and frogs. Its seeds are edible and it is used in traditional Aboriginal string, body adornment and basket making by many groups. Hollow Rush can also be used as a straw, as the small fibres within its centre act as a filter, especially useful when water is being sourced from digging deep into riverbeds. Many different types of river reed are also used for hunting, both as spears and to act as a snorkel when underwater (e.g. for sneaking up on ducks).

Soure: Indigenous plant use; A booklet on the medicinal, nutritional and technological use of indigenous plants; By Zena Cumpston; Clean Air and Urban Landscapes (CAUL) Hub in Melbourne