Bulrush
Typha capensis
Also known as
Papkuil (Afr.)
Photo by Phillip_shaw (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Frequent watering
Tender
8a-11b
USDA zone
-12°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
2.5m | Max | 50cm |
1.5m | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Bulrush
Bulrush Overview
A perennial aquatic plant with flower spikes that are velvety brown and leaves that are long and strap-like that are up to 1.5m in length. Flowering during Summer and seeds are wind and water dispersed. Some regard the plant as a pest (invader) due to it's fast growing nature and easy germination from wind born-seed. It has strong lateral roots from rhizomes that can tolerate full submergence in water and drought conditions. Provides shelter for frogs and other aquatic life. Used as a traditional medicine for treating venereal diseases, during pregnancy, to improve circulation, for diarrhoea and dysentery. The rhizomes and pollen can be eaten by humans and leaves in weaving of hand brooms and thatching. The flowers can be dipped in kerosene for torches. The plant is also used in water purification. Uses: Used in weaving, a food source and has traditional medicinal uses. ZA Distribution: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, Western Cape.
Common problems with Bulrush
Problem free
Bulrush Companion Plants
Wachendorfia thyrsiflora, Nymphaea sp., Cyperus sp.
How to harvest Bulrush
Roots can be harvested and dried to make a powder/flour as a carbohydrate.
How to propagate Bulrush
Seed
Sow seeds in Autumn very shallow in moist soil.
Rhizomes
Break a piece of rhizome off to replant in a new location.
Special features of Bulrush
Attracts birds
Wet sites
Other uses of Bulrush
Used in weaving, a food source and has traditional medicinal uses.
Medicinal
Edible
Roots can be harvested and dried to make a powder/flour as a carbohydrate.