About

Lomandra multiflora, also commonly known as many-flowered mat rush, mat rush and many flowered mat-lily, is a perennial, rhizomatous herb found in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The mat rush is distributed widely in the region and common within its preferred growing conditions. Its conservation status is considered not to be of concern and risk.

There are two subspecies of Lomandra multiflora, known as Lomandra multiflora subspecies dura and subspecies multiflora. Lomandra multiflora is a small grass-like plant with long flat yellowish green leaves that are typically 30–50 cm long. A distinct feature about Lomandra multiflora is that they are a dioecious plant. The flower of the plant is a creamy yellow colour. The male flowers are smaller than the female flowers and grow on a branched stem, unlike the female flowers.

Where it grows

Lomandra multiflora is found in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory of Australia and also in Papua New Guinea. Lomandra multiflora has two subspecies: Lomandra multiflora subspecies multiflora and Lomandra multiflora subspecies dura. Subspecies multiflora can be found naturally in Southern Papua New Guinea, Western Melbourne, and the North Eastern tip of Northern Territory. Subspecies dura can only be found in Southern Australia, specifically in the Southern Flinders, Mt. Lofty Ranges, Yorke and Fleurieu Peninsulas.

Uses

Historically, Indigenous people used the long leaves of Lomandra multiflora for basket making and other forms of weaving, as well as the plant’s nectar as a food.

Other Lomandra plants

Tropical matrush · Small Matrush · Lomandra brevis · Pale Mat Rush · Clumped Matrush · Lomandra cylindrica · Lomandra drummondii · Scented Mat Rush · Lomandra elongata · Wattle Mat Rush · Lomandra fluviatilis · Pale Mat Rush