Large Cape Rush - Elegia elephantina Seeds - Endemic Indigenous Ornamental Grass - New

Elegia is a genus of grass-like plants in the family Restionaceae. The genus includes 32 species endemic to South Africa. Some are grown as ornamentals in gardens. The genus name Elegia comes from the Greek word elegeia which means song of lamentation. This may refer to the sound restios make while they are moving in the breeze. Restios are one of the main components of fynbos and are found growing mainly in the Western & Eastern Cape.

Elegia elephantina, previously known as Chondropetalum elephantinum, and commonly known as Large Cape Rush, is a South African indigenous plant. It forms dense tufted clumps from which arise 1 meter 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 are clustered toward the tip of the stems. Plant it in full to part sun. It is drought tolerant, but appreciates supplemental water in spring. It is cold hardy to about -4°C and tolerates a wide soil pH range. In its natural habitat Elegia elephantina grows close to the coast from Clanwilliam to Grahamstown, often preferring marshy habitats. It can be successfully planted in seaside gardens, containers and used in xeriscaping or used as a plant in the shallows of a water garden.