Botanical name:

Oreobolus pectinatus

Common name(s):

Comb sedge, cushion sedge, flat-leaved comb sedge

About:

This diminutive species thrives across New Zealand's alpine regions, specifically in boggy and moist environments. It forms compact cushions that typically reach heights of up to 10cm and spread approximately 20cm in diameter. The leaves are densely arranged and exhibit a medium green hue. Ideal for container cultivation, this plant is of limited availability, appealing primarily to alpine enthusiasts. It requires moist soil and can be grown in either full sun or light shade.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to alpine (up to 1500 m a.s.l.). Mostly alpine descending to sea level only in the southern South Island, Stewart, Auckland and Campbell Islands. A common species of cushion bogs and alpine seepages and mires and also favouring poorly drained open ground. Very rarely found growing in damp peaty ground under low subalpine scrub.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Coastal, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart, Auckland and Campbell Islands.

Height: 10cm

Flowering: 

October - December with no discernible flower/s 

Fruiting:

November - April

Uses:

Wetland’s, Alpine plantings & Containers

How to grow:

Easily grown from rooted pieces and probably from fresh seed. However, this species is best grown in a cooler climate or kept in a pot within an alpine house. it is very slow growing.