raupō

Typha orientalis | raupō, bullrush

A vigorous, erect New Zealand native grass thriving in shallow, fertile waters like sheltered lakes, swamps, and streams, growing up to one meter deep. Typically reaching 2.5m tall and 1m wide, its spreading roots quickly colonise larger areas. Recognisable by its distinctive brown, sausage-shaped seed heads on long stalks, raupō is crucial for wetland and riparian plantings. It reproduces by seed. Raupō is increasingly utilised in engineered wetlands designed for water purification. These constructed wetlands effectively treat contaminated water sources such as stormwater runoff, sewage, and effluent from mining operations and agricultural animal waste.