Botanical name:
Bolboschoenus medianus
Common name(s):
Purua grass
About:
B. medianus is a dense, clump-forming, rhizomatous, evergreen perennial that showcases flat, grass-like, and exceptionally bright green leaves. From mid-spring to the peak of summer, beautiful clusters of yellow-brown to reddish-brown flowers emerge gracefully on spikelets adorned with leaflike bracts, adding a charming touch to the landscape.
Natural habitat:
Coastal to lowland in salt-marshes and other poorly drained saline areas, occasionally found along freshwater rivers and lakes. Will sometimes invade pasture abutting tidal streams and estuaries.
Growing environment:
Frost, Sun, Salt, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant
Endemic distribution:
New Zealand’s North & South Islands. Also found in Australia.
Height: 2m
Flowering:
October – January with a brown coloured flower/s
Fruiting:
December - May
Uses:
Bird food / Attractant, Riparian plantings & Wetlands
How to grow:
Easily grown from fresh seed and rooted pieces. Will grow in almost any soil but prefers a sunny, damp soil. Ideal as a pond plant or for planting along tidal streams.
** Seed germinates without pre-treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.