Ficinia nodosa CYPERACEAE Knotted clubrush

Inflorescence

Avon Catchment Council Ficinia nodosa Knotted clubrush

Plant features Growth form Perennial, clumping, tufted sedge, up to 1m high, with creeping rhizomes from which new stems arise. It often forms extensive colonies. CYPERACEAE Leaves/stem The stems are light to medium green, 1-2.5mm wide and usually circular in cross section but can be compressed in the upper part. The leaves are reduced to reddish/brown sheaths around the base. Flowers The inflorescence is found near the top of the stem and is a dense circular head 5-25 mm in diameter, composed of numerous brown spikelets. The spikelets are 3-8mm long and each contain several small flowers. Fruits The nut is smooth, triangular, and 1mm long.

Distribution A common wetland species near the

coast, from Shark Bay to east of Floodfringe Esperance with scattered populations Floodway

on the western edge of the Avon Normal winter level catchment. Prefered habitat of Ficinia nodosa Zone, habitat Occurs in fresh to saline waterways including creek banks, swamps, floodways, seeps, clay pans and lake edges as well as coastal dunes. Found on very well draining soils. Additional information This species use to be known as Isolepis nodosa or Knotted club rush. It is an excellent soil stabiliser and nutrient stripper for sandy winter wet waterbodies due to its network of roots and dense foliage at the soil surface. It can form dense colonies around sandy wetlands. It does not tolerate inundation for very long but is quite drought tolerant. Best propagated by seed. Collect seed from Feb-April.