Botanical name:

Carex elingamita

Common name(s):

Three Kings sedge

About:

This sedge originates from the Three Kings Islands. It is a robust, tall plant that reaches approximately 1m in height during its flowering stage. The ribbed leaves, which can grow up to 1cm wide, are light green and feature scabrous edges. This plant thrives in both sunny and semi-shaded conditions but prefers to be in a damp environment.

Natural habitat:

A species of shaded sites under dense forest, often around petrel burrowed ground, boulder falls and rubble.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Three Kings Island group where it is present on Great (Manawa Tawhi), North East, South West, West Islands and at least Hinemoa Rock in the Princes group. Naturalised in Auckland City.

Height: 1m

Flowering:

September – December

Fruiting:

October – May

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Wetlands

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed or division. Can become invasive. Prefers a semi-shaded site but will tolerate full sun. Can be grown in a wide range of soils. Frost and cold sensitive.

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