Cape Rush (or Roof Reed)
This South African plant forms dense tufted clumps from which arise 4 feet tall dark green unbranched stems. The dark brown sheaths at the joints drop off in summer leaving a dark band at each node. Late in the season the stems arch gracefully from the weight of clusters of small brown flowers at the tips. Male and female plants have remarkably similar flowers but the female flowers are held tighter and clustered toward the tip of the stems. Plant in full to part sun. It is drought tolerant, but appreciates supplemental water in spring. It is hardy to about 20-25 degrees F and tolerates a wide soil pH range. In its natural habitat Chondropetalum elephantinum grows close to the coast from Clanwilliam to Grahamstown, often preferring marshy habitat. It can be successfully planted in seaside gardens, used in relatively dry landscapes or as a plant in the shallows of a water garden.
The large population of Chondropetalum that grows along the west coast near Cape Town, South Africa is taxonomically different from another small population of plants found further from Cape Town. The name Chondropetalum elephantinum has been assigned to the population that is closer to Cape Town as it is typically a larger plant, growing to 2 meters tall. The name Chondropetalum tectorum was retained for the other population that only grows to 1 meter tall.
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