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.

wetland

streamsides

estauries

wet

moist

full sun

partial shade

height | 1.5m

width | 1.5m

flowering |  July – December

fruiting | July – April

Alongside raupō it was a material used in traditional Māori kite-making.