Lomandra longifolia - Longleaf Mat-Rush

Family:	Lomandraceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1
Synonyms:
Range:	Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria.

Lomandra longifolia (Longleaf Mat-Rush) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are dioecious (each plant is either male or female, thus both genders need to be present to seed) and they are pollinated by Beetles

Soil Information

Longleaf Mat-Rush will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Longleaf Mat-Rush prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Longleaf Mat-Rush can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Banks of creeks, rocky hillsides, cliffs and open forests, in sandy soils in swamps and wet places to the montane zone[154, 156].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. It succeeds in most soils and aspects in Australian gardens, also tolerating occasional flooding[157], and it also withstands temperatures down to at least -7°c in that country[157]. However, this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer colder and wetter winters. Other members of this genus are also said to have edible flowers[144, 193]. The flowers are rich in a heavy-smelling nectar and this attracts pollinating beetles[193]. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Flowers - raw. A flavour of fresh peas. Both sexes are used though the male flowers are easier to harvest[144]. White leaf bases - raw[193]. A flavour of green peas, they are refreshing and enjoyable[144].

• Flowers -
• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in late winter or early spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Division might also be possible.

Scented parts of the plants

Flowers : Fresh

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

The leaves contain a tough fibre and they are used in basket making and in weaving[154, 193]. This fibre can also be made into a string[156].

• Basketry - Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
• Fibre - Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
• Weaving - Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Victoria.
Ewart. A. J.
Author: Ewart. A. J.
Rating:
Publisher : A flora of eastern Australia, it is rather short on information that is useful to the plant project.
Date of Publication :

Flora of the Sydney Region
Carolin. R. & Tindale. M.
Author: Carolin. R. & Tindale. M.
Rating:
Publisher : Concise flora with little beyond an extensive key, species descriptions, very brief habitat description.
Date of Publication : 1993

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.