Botanical name:

Carex chathamica

Common name(s):

Chatham sedge

About:

This sedge, as indicated by its botanical name, is indigenous to the Chatham Islands, thriving in swampy, open environments. It typically reaches a height of approximately 45cm and features bright green leaves with rough edges. The flowering stems can match the length of the leaves and showcase notable brown spikelets. It favours an open setting and benefits from moist conditions.

Natural habitat:

Predominantly found in peaty ground such as bogs, in wet clearings, at the margins if streams, lakes and ponds, and in swamps.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wetland, Salt, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Chatham Islands where present on Chatham (Rekohu), Pitt, and South East Islands.

Height: 45cm

Flowering:

October - December

Fruiting:

November – March

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Pioneer Plantings & Wetlands

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed or division. Best grown in permanently damp, peaty soils. Does well in cool, shaded sites, and is ideal around ponds or bordering streams. In the northern plant of New Zealand it has proved difficult to maintain and dislikes long periods of drought, humidity or both.

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