Elegia capensis

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Botanical Name

Elegia capensis

Family

Restionaceae - The Cape reed family.

Pronunciation

el-EE-jee-a ka-PEN-sis

Common Name(s)

Horsetail restio; Besemriet, Fonteinriet, Katstert;

Plant Group

Restio, Sedge and Grass

Plant Size

Very large

Tree Over 25m

Shrub Over 4m

Perennial/ground cover Over 1m

Bulb Over 1.2m

Succulent 1.5m to 2m

Position

Light or Dappled Shade Found below trees with sparse, open foliage. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
Partial Shade The area is in shade for part of the day and in full sun for part of the day.
Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.

General Information

Attractive fruits, berries or seeds Brightly coloured fruits or berries increase and extend the visual impact of the plant and are especially attractive to birds and other small wildlife.
Drought Tolerance: Low The plant is unable to survive drought and needs to be watered.
Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
Frost: Half-hardy The plant is able to survive low temperatures and some frost but requires protection against severe frost.
Water Loving Plants need a regular supply of water and must not be allowed to dry out for any length of time.
Wind Tolerant Plants able to withstand the effect of strong winds.

Specific Information

With tall bamboo-like stems and soft, feathery, needle-like leaves, the horsetail restio will enhance swimming pool areas, larger water features and areas around dams, streams and seepage sites. This elegant plant, forming a thick forest of stems, needs to be kept in check if space is an issue. Growth is somewhat slow for the first three years (1m in the first year), after which it quickly grows to full height and the rhizomes start to spread rapidly, easily reaching a diameter of three to five meters. Elegia capensis needs a lot of water to maintain its lush green foliage. In drier conditions the plants will be smaller, fairly sparse and yellowish in colour. Tolerant of frequent and strong winds. It needs protection from frost and thrives in the conditions of a Mediterranean climate. Given similar conditions of soil and water, this plant should flourish in frost free gardens

Flowers

Description

flowers are very small but the decorative heads on both male and female plants are about 350 mm long, changing from cream to golden then brown, remaining on the plant for up to six months

Season

Spring to Summer Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.

Colour

white
greenish yellow

Growth Rate

Slow to Moderate Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.
Very Fast Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.

Plant Uses

Accent or Focal Point A plant used to attract the attention because of its colour or form.
Attracts Birds This plant will attract birds.
Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
Cut Flowers Plants that provide flowers suitable for ornamental uses.
Foliage Plant Plants grown because their foliage is colorful or unique. Many of these plants have insignificant flowers.
Screen A tall hedge of suitable plants planted closely together and used as a windbreak, to block a bad view, to separate parts of the garden or as a backdrop.
Water Features These plants may have dramatic, lush foliage or graceful form. They do not shed excessive leaves and do not have invasive root systems.
Windbreak Trees planted in a row to form protection from prevailing winds by breaking the force of the wind, thereby reducing wind damage.

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Distribution

from Clanwilliam in the Western Cape Province to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province, from near sea level to an altitude of 1 600m, in moderately poor, sandy soils, always near watercourses, in seepages on mountain slopes or in areas where groundwater is present

Planting Suggestions

These plants need plenty of space and water. Elegia capensis will sprout from large chunks of the rhizomes separated from established plants (the roots are sensitive so replant immediately). This should be done at the beginning of the rainy season. Sandy, well composted soil will suffice, but plenty of water must be readily available. The plant will not thrive in clay soils. Stems older than about three years should be cut off to allow the yearly new growth to flourish. If necessary, feed the plants during the growing season with a slow-release or standard organic fertilizer or sprinkle a little ammonium sulphate around the area. If the plants appear yellowish use a high nitrogen fertilizer.

Elegia capensis does not send out suckers as does bamboo, but you definitely need to allow enough space for its mature size of 3 to 5m in diameter. If your space is limited it may be useful to sink a large, bottomless container (such as a large drum) in the ground, in which to plant the rhizomes. I imagine that the container would have to be removed and replaced every few years to prevent overcrowding.

Medicinal Uses

Used as a broom by binding the sturdy stems with their tufts of foliage to a straight branch or broomstick.

Availability