Botanical name:

Cyperus ustulatus

Common name(s):

Giant Umbrella Sedge, Toetoe Upoko-Tangata

About:

This vigorous sedge typically grows in prominent clumps of deep olive and green leaves that possess extremely sharp edges, making them quite distinctive. These broad, glossy leaves, coupled with striking dark-brown seed heads, are densely packed atop a tall, triangular stem that adds visual interest. It is an excellent choice for revegetation projects in wet areas and can enhance landscaping designs; however, it is generally regarded as too vigorous for most home gardens, where it may overwhelm other plants.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland sites in open ground. Tolerant of a wide range of habitats and conditions but evidently preferring wetland margins, seepages, stream sides, lagoon and estuary margins.

Growing environment:

Salt, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Abundant in the North Island and northern South Island, west to Fiordland, and not threatened. Naturally uncommon at its eastern South Island limit, where it is known only from Tai Tapu, Motukarara, Banks Peninsula and the Rakaia River mouth. Also on the Chatham Islands, where it is not very common.

Height: 1.5m

Flowering:

July – December

Fruiting:

July - April

Uses:

Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed, and often self sows in gardens. A quite attractive plant now prove popular in cultivation. However it should be planted with caution, the leaf, keel and culm margins are very sharp and can cause very deep cuts.

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