toetoe upoko-tangata

Cyperus ustulatus | toetoe upoko-tangata, giant umbrella sedge

 

A robust, evergreen sedge that forms large, sharp-edged clumps. Its arching, dark green leaves have minute teeth along the margins, and summer flowers emerge green, maturing to a rich brown. Hardy and fast-growing, this sedge quickly colonises damp areas, making it ideal for wetland and riparian revegetation, environmental remediation, poolside planting, or mass plantings where a durable, aesthetic grass is required. While thriving in wet soils, it can tolerate occasional dry periods, eventually contributing to the development of tall swamp forests.