Fen Sedge (Carex gaudichaudiana)

Fen Sedge is native to eastern Australia and is adaptable to most soils, but prefers to be close to the edges of waterways. Growing to approximately one metre wide and high, it flowers from around September through to February with dark, almost black flowers. Fen sedge, like many plants that border water, provides vital habitat for small animals such as frogs, birds and swamp rats and is also an important food plant for caterpillars. Many sedges are used by diverse Aboriginal groups to make cultural items such as baskets of varying sizes, bags and mats as well as for technologies such as spears and traps.

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