Botanical name:

Machaerina  tenax (Baumea tenax)

Common name(s):

Bumble bee sedge

About:

A dark green, slender clumping sedge features leaves that are notably thick and sharp, pointed delicately at their tips. The flower heads are open and exhibit a resemblance to intricate spider webs, adding to their unique charm. Seeds elegantly hang from spikes on slender threads and are visually striking in appearance, displaying a vibrant orange colour punctuated by black ends. This distinctive appearance has inspired its common name, which reflects its remarkable characteristics.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to subalpine. Usually on peat in bogs, around tarns and slow flowing peaty streams. However, Machaerina tenax has also been found growing in poorly draining pasture and in rough pasture land in hill country, at the back of estuarine swamps.

Growing environment:

Sun, Salt, Wetland, Wind, Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands but scarce in Northland and much of the eastern South Island.

Height: 80cm

Flowering: 

December - February

Fruiting:

Fruits may be present throughout the year.

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Wetland Plantings.

How to grow:

Difficult. Can be grown from fresh seed but slow to establish. Resents root disturbance. Plants seem to flourish best if established first in untreated pine saw dust. Machaerina tenax is an attractive species that does well when planted in seepages in full sun or around ponds. It prefers a moderately acidic substrate.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.