Lepidosperma gladiatum is commonly known as the coast sword-sedgeorcoastal sword-sedge. It is an evergreen species of sedge that is native to southern coastal areas of Australia.[1] It was described by French botanist Jacques Labillardière in 1805. The Noongar name for the plant is kerbein.[2]
L. gladiatum occurs mostly as a dense sedge that favours dunes and creek lines. Described as clump-forming perennial with stout vertical rhizome. Forms dense canopy with large clumps of dark green strap-like leaves. The flat leaves are 150mm long and 25mm wide with a sharp pointed end. The plant can be as tall and wide as 3m (though typically it is smaller).[3]
L. gladiatum produces brown spiky flowers on long central stalks. The flowers are hermaphroditic.[4]
The seedheads have been used to feed captive red-eared firetails, the finch-like species Stagonopleura oculata, their deft extraction and enthusiasm for the seed suggests it is consumed in its usual habitat.[6]
