Lanai Sawsedge

Description

Gahnia lanaiensis, a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae), is a tufted, perennial, grasslike plant that ranges in height from 4.9-9.8 ft (1.5-2.9 m). This sedge may be distinguished from grasses and other genera of sedges on Lanai by its spirally arranged flowers, its solid stems, and its numerous, three-ranked leaves. G. lanaiensis differs from the other members of the genus on the island by its achenes (seedlike fruits), which are 0.14-0.18 in (3.6-4.6 mm) long and purplish black when mature. July has been regarded as the end of the flowering season for G. lanaiensis. Plants of this species have been observed with fruit in October