Botanical name:

Machaerina articulata (Baumea articulata)

Common name(s):

Jointed twig-rush, jointed baumea

About:

An attractive, though rather large, sedge which is best grown in a location where there is suitable space for it to flourish. It prefers full sun, and it does best when thoughtfully planted into shallow water. However, this resilient plant is also tolerant of dry soils and can be effectively grown in most garden situations with proper care. It features striking dark green segmented leaves, elegant flowering stems, and distinctive reddish-brown seed spikes that emerge beautifully in the summer.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland (up to 380m). A common emergent species of swampy lakes, ponds, stream and river margins. Also colonising the lag zone of peat bogs.

Growing environment:

Frost, sun, Drought, Wetland  & Wind tolerant

Endemic distribution:

Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and the New Hebrides. In New Zealand confined to the North Island where it is known from Te Paki south to the Manawatu River.

Height: 1.8m

Flowering:

September – December

Fruiting:

November - May (but fruits may be present throughout the year)

Uses:

Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and by the division of whole plants. Best grown on the margin of a pond, lake or slow flowing stream.

** 4 – 6 weeks cold stratification is recommended