Botanical name:

Gahnia xanthocarpa

Common name(s):

Māpere, gahnia

About:

A large and robust perennial sedge, this plant arises from a woody tissued rootstock that can reach an impressive diameter of up to 30 mm. It forms densely tufted, dark green tussocks that can grow exceptionally tall, reaching heights of up to 3.5 meters. This striking feature makes it a notable presence in its natural habitat.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane up to 800m possibly more. Occupying a diverse range of habitats and vegetation associations, Gahnia xanthocarpa seems to prefer permanently damp situations within alluvial forest, swamp forest and the margins of lowland swamps, bogs and waterways.

Growing environment:

Wetland, Wind & Shade tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island from Te Paki south to Wellington but uncommon, or absent over some parts of this range; South Island Nelson, Marlborough, Westland and Canterbury - where it is very uncommon.

Height: 3.5m

Flowering: 

January – April with a brown or red/pink coloured flower

Fruiting:

Orange-brown fruit can be found throughout the year.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Can be difficult to cultivate. The seed is difficult to germinate, and plants resent root disturbance and usually die if transplanted. However, considerable success has been achieved growing plants and/or germinating seed in untreated saw dust. Despite these problems this is an attractive species well worth attempting to grow. Once established it flourishes in a range of conditions but does best planted in a permanently damp, humus-rich soil.