Lomandra longifolia

Spiny-headed Mat-rush 

Family: Xanthorrheaceae

Lomandra longifolia is a tufted plant from the same family as the Grass Tree. It is found in many different habitats from sand dunes, open forest, creek banks to rainforest. Lomandra longifolia is recognised by its tough, strappy leaves and prickly clusters of flowers. When not flowering, it can be difficult to distinguish from a grass.

The leaves are shiny and from 40cm up to 1m long and 8-12 mm wide. They can be flat or slightly rolled inwards. The tips of the leaves are prominently toothed.

The stalkless flowers of Lomandra longifolia grow in clusters 1-2cm long on branches along a flattened stem. They are a creamy colour, sometimes purplish in the centre. There is a spiny bract at the base of each flower cluster.

The strappy leaves were used by the Aboriginal people to make strong net bags.

Lomandra longifolia flowers from August to December, with seedheads lasting several weeks on the flowers stalks.