hooks into the damp forest floor

Size
Height: 30–60 cm
Lifespan
5–10 years
Diet
Photosynthetic. Draws energy from sunlight. Obtains nutrients from moist, well-drained soils.
Habitat
Lowland and montane forests, forest margins and damp, shaded sites. Prefers moist, well-drained soils with partial to full shade.
Range
Throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in lowland and montane forests. Also found on Chatham Islands.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance is primary threat. Browsing by introduced possums and deer. Climate change affecting forest habitats.
Population
Populations considered stable and widespread. Species common in forest understorey throughout New Zealand. Threatened by ongoing habitat loss.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
caution
Handling Note
sharp sedge leaves cause skin lacerations, wear long pants when walking through
Conservation Note
Endemic sedge; widespread in wetlands and swampy areas throughout New Zealand.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, hook sedge was used for weaving. Hooked seed heads noted for ability to attach to clothing and fur. Dark colour admired. Plant known as sign of healthy forest understorey. Plant of forest. Gathered by those who knew shady places. Resource from understorey. Small hook in dark forest.
Walk through the bush. Come out with hooks on sleeves. Carex secta is distinctive sedge. Dark bronze-green leaves. Hooked seed heads. Hooks attach to passing animals, dispersing seeds. Leaves are tough. Used by Māori for weaving. Dark colour makes it popular ornamental plant in gardens. Sedge that hitches a ride. Leaves are long and narrow. Arching outward from centre of clump. Colour is rich bronze-green. Darker than most other sedges. Seed heads held on tall stalks above leaves. Each seed has long, curved hook at tip. Design that raises questions. Answers are in fur. Hooks are clever adaptation for seed dispersal. When animal brushes against seed head, hooks catch on fur or feathers. Seed carried away. Eventually falling off in new location. This is how plant spreads through forest. Sedge that travels on backs of others. Hook sedge is common in forest understorey throughout New Zealand. Grows in damp, shaded sites. Often along tracks and stream banks. Dark colour makes it stand out against green of forest. To find hook sedge is to walk forest understorey. Look for dark bronze-green leaves. Hooked seed heads. Hooks catch on clothing. Reminder that forest is full of small inventions. Plant of shady places. Sedge of forest floor. Sedge does not apologise. Does not need to. That is how it gets around. And that seems to be enough.