pūrei

Carex secta | pūrei, pukio, makura

 

A vigorous, fast-growing sedge common in wetlands and along streams. Its deep root system makes it excellent for erosion control, while its arching foliage eventually lifts on sturdy bases, creating striking forms in damp landscapes. With bright green, strap-like leaves that grow in dense clumps it is est suited to wet, boggy soils, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and will adapt to drier sites once established.
Use it to stabilise streambanks, plant around ponds, or create naturalistic wetland gardens. Space plants 50–70 cm apart to form a thick, flowing mass that brings texture, movement, and resilience to the landscape.

wetland

moist

wet

full sun

 partial shade

height | 1.5m

width | 1.5m

flowering |  (September)–October–November–(December)

fruiting |  October–March

Pūrei were once used as thatch for roofing. Māori also held a proverb describing the plant: “He pūreirei whakamatuatanga — a faithful fatherly tuft of rushes.” This proverb speaks to the plant’s reliability, evoking it as a trustworthy place to pause and rest when crossing swampy lands.