Carex chathamica

Botanical name: Carex chathamica
Synonyms: None
Common name(s): Chatham sedge

About:
A robust wetland sedge endemic to the Chatham Islands, forming dense leafy clumps in peat bogs, swamps and wet forest clearings. It is valued for its strong upright foliage and importance within Chatham Island wetland ecosystems.

Natural habitat:
Peat bogs, swampy ground, wet forest clearings, stream margins, ponds and lake edges.

Growing environment:
Prefers permanently damp to wet peaty soils in cool sheltered conditions. Best suited to shaded or semi-shaded wetland gardens.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to the Chatham Islands, occurring on Chatham Island (Rekohu), Pitt Island and South East Island.

Height:
50 cm – 1 m tall

Width:
60 cm – 1 m wide

Flowering:
October – December

Fruiting:
November – March

Uses:

• Wetland and bog garden planting
• Pond and stream margins
• Habitat restoration
• Erosion control in damp soils
• Native wetland landscaping

Appearance:
Growth habit:
Strongly tufted rhizomatous sedge with sturdy upright stems arising from creeping woody rhizomes.

Leaves:
Broad dark green to orange-green leaves with finely serrated edges and purple ligules at the base.

Flowers:
Tall flowering stems carrying multiple pale brown spikes with separate male and female flower spikes.

Fruit:
Small pale green to brown utricles containing grey-brown nuts dispersed by wind and animals.

Ecology:
Provides shelter and habitat within Chatham Island wetlands. Grey-backed storm petrels are known to nest within its dense tufts.

Associated habitats:
Occurs alongside peat bog vegetation, swamp forest species, wetland sedges and freshwater margin plants.

How to grow:
Grow in permanently moist or wet peaty soil in cool shaded or semi-shaded conditions. Protect from prolonged drought and excessive heat.

Propagation:
Propagated from fresh seed or by division of established clumps.

Cultural use:
An important component of Chatham Island wetland ecosystems and native habitat restoration plantings.

Garden value:
An attractive architectural wetland sedge ideal for ponds, bog gardens and naturalistic native plantings where moisture can be maintained year-round.