Uncinia

Uncinia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cyperaceae, known as hook-sedges in Australia[3] and as hook grasses or bastard grasses in New Zealand.[4] The genus is characterised by the presence of a long hook formed by an extension of the rachilla,[5] which is used to attach the fruit to passing animals (epizoochory), especially birds,[6] and it is this feature which gives the genus its name, from the Latin uncinus, meaning a hook or barb.[7]

Uncinia is a “satellite genus” of the very large genus Carex, alongside other satellites such as Cymophyllus, Kobresia, Schoenoxiphium, Vesicarex.[8] Uncinia seems to form a monophyletic group, with the most distinct species being U. kingii, a species which has sometimes been placed in the genus Carex.[5] Similarly, Carex microglochin has sometimes been included in Uncinia, as U. microglochin.[9]

Uncinia has a Gondwanan distribution,[5] with most species found Australia, New Zealand and South America,[3] as far north as Mexico and Jamaica.[10] Of the 50–60 species, 30 are endemic to New Zealand,[11] 6 are endemic to the east coast of Australia,[3] and 4 are endemic to the Juan Fernández Islands.[12] Smaller numbers of species are also found in New Guinea, Borneo, the Philippines, Hawaii, Tristan da Cunha, Kerguelen, Île Amsterdam, Île Saint-Paul, and the Prince Edward Islands, although none are known from the mainland of Africa.[10] This distribution suggests that the genus had an origin in Antarctica.[13]

When Canberra was being planned in the 1930s, the establishment of the gardens was recommended in a report in 1933 by the Advisory Council of Federal Capital Territory. In 1935, The Dickson Report set forth a framework for their development. A large site for the gardens was set aside on Black Mountain. In September 1949, the ceremonial planting of first trees by Prime Minister Ben Chifley and Director of Kew Gardens, Sir Edward Salisbury took place. Development of the site, facilities and collection progressed and the Gardens were officially opened in October 1970 by Prime Minister John Gorton.[3]

To celebrate the Gardens’ 50th anniversary in 2020 a new Banksia Garden was created, showcasing a wide selection of the over-170 Banksia species spread across the coasts and hinterland of most of mainland Australia and Tasmania.[5]

The Gardens has tenure over 90 hectares (220 acres) on Black Mountain. Approximately 40 hectares (99 acres) are currently developed as the Botanic Gardens.[3] Plans for the development of the remaining land are on hold until funds are available.