A tall grass-like rush found in wetlands, and along creeks and rivers in the coastal regions of Northern Territory, Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Magpie Geese love them for constructing their floating nest systems. Beneath the 2 metre strands edible chestnuts are harvested at the end of the wet season. They are either eaten raw or roasted.
Spikerush foliage was also used for shelter construction.
The stems were used to treat serious wounds – the rush was pulverised in water, set aside for some hours and then the water was used as an antiseptic.