Cape Bulrush

Typha capensis

Typha capensis is synonymous with most large as well as small freshwater bodies. These perennial, leafy aquatic plants with their distinctive velvety-brown flower-spikes are truly cosmopolitan inhabitants of southern Africa.

The fast-growing rhizomes spread quickly and soon form large clumps of leaves. It will only grow well where the soil is under the water or very wet. It can, if necessary, be controlled by chopping back new rhizomes. To make maintenance easier and to manage growth, plant bulrushes in separate containers which may then be submerged. When necessary, remove the container from the water and cut back the plant and replace in the water.