Prior names
Loxocarya fasciculata
Common names
Bundled Cord-rush
Etymology
Desmocladus from the Greek 'desmos' meaning band or chain and 'klados; meaning branch. Diacolpicus from the Greek 'dia' meaning through or between and 'kolpos' meaning bay or gulf, referring to the species occurrence on both sides of the Great Australian Bight.
Distribution and status
Found on Eyre Peninsula and on Kangaroo Island in South Australi, growing on sand in low open heath and mallee vegetation. Also found in Western Australia but is reported as probably extinct due to its occurrence in a region subjected to extensive clearing and salinisation. Native. Very rare in South Australia. Presumed Extinct in Western Australia.
Herbarium regions: Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island
AVH map: SA distribution map (external link)
Plant description
Erect clumping grass-like sedge to15 cm tall, with leaves and flowers occurring in whorls up the stem. Fruits are clusters of brown nuts in whorls. Seeds are brown ovoid seed to 3.5 mm long and 1.5 mm wide.
Seed collection and propagation
Collect seeds between November and December. Collect fruits that are brown or break-off short stems with numerous brown fruit. Place stems in a tray to dry for 1 to 2 weeks. Then rub the stem gently with a rubber bung to dislodge the seeds. Use a sieve to separate the unwanted material. Store the seeds with a desiccant such as dried silica beads or dry rice, in an air tight container in a cool and dry place. From one collection, the seed viability was average, at 80%.
Location | No. of seeds (weight grams) | Number of plants | Date collected | Collection number Collection location | Date stored | % Viability | Storage temperature |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BGA MSB | 140 (0.25 g) 1,500 (3.85 g) | 50 | 10-Nov-2008 | DJD1371 Kangaroo Island | 20-Jul-2009 | 80% | -18°C |