Skip to main content

Desmoschoenus spiralis

(A. Rich.) Hook.f.

Golden sand sedge

Cyperaceae Edible: Shoots

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Brendan Doogan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Brendan Doogan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Brendan Doogan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Desmoschoenus spiralis is a hermaphroditic perennial reaching 0.9 m tall. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic, neutral, and basic pH ranges. Tolerates semi-shade and full sun with preference for moist soil.

Description

Desmoschoenus spiralis is a hermaphroditic perennial reaching 0.9 m tall. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic, neutral, and basic pH ranges. Tolerates semi-shade and full sun with preference for moist soil.

Edible Uses

The young shoots are edible.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

New Zealand*,

Propagation

Seed.

Other Uses

The plant has an extensive root system that makes it useful for binding sand. The dried leaves are bright yellow and are used in making patterned baskets.

Notes

It is an endangered species.

Synonyms

Anthophyllum urvillei Steud.Isolepis spiralis A. Rich.Scirpus frondosus Banks & Sol. ex BoeckelerScirpus spiralis (A. Rich.) Druce

Also Known As

Pingao

References (1)

  • Crowe, A., 1997, A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Penguin. p 95

More from Cyperaceae