Botanical name:

Machaerina rubiginosa (Baumea rubiginosa)

Common name(s):

Baumea

About:

A vigorous creeping species that is best utilised for the effective revegetation of wetlands, this plant thrives in its natural habitat. It can be commonly found in swampy locations throughout both the North and South Islands. The rush-like leaves of this species can grow up to 1 m or more in height and display a striking range of colours that vary from bluish to dark green. In addition, the flowering spikelets present a lovely reddish-brown hue, adding to its visual appeal. This plant requires full sun exposure, ample moisture, and plenty of space to grow successfully. It is particularly beneficial for erosion control and for improving the quality of contaminated or nutrient-laden water conditions.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane (up to 900 m a.s.l.) in most freshwater wetlands; especially favouring low moor peat bogs, the margins of rested bogs and their burn pools, more rarely on the margins of lakes, tarns and slow-flowing streams where it may grow with Machaerina arthrophylla.

Growing environment:

Sun, Salt, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands. Also New Guinea, New Caledonia and Australia.

Height: 1m

Flowering: 

October - December

Fruiting:

Throughout the year

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Wetland planting.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and by the division of whole plants - though plants may take some time to settle. Although it prefers an acidic, permanently damp soil, plants can be grown in free draining soils and once established will tolerate dry spells reasonably well.

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