Chondropetalum Elephantinum - Cape Rush

Chondropetalum elephantinum {{{latin_name}}}	Cape Rush
	Habit: Height: ⇕ 90-150cm (3-5 feet) Width: ⇔ 12-180cm (4-6 feet) Lifespan: ⌛ Origin: ✈ South Africa Poisonous: ☠	Exposure: ☼ Water: ◍ Features: ✓ Hardiness: ☃ Bloom: ❀ USDA Zones: 8-10 Sunset Zones:
	[[{{{domain}}}]] > [[{{{superregnum}}}]] > Plantae > [[{{{subregnum}}}]] > [[{{{superdivisio}}}]] > [[{{{superphylum}}}]] > [[]] > [[{{{phylum}}}]] > [[{{{subdivisio}}}]] > [[{{{subphylum}}}]] > [[{{{infraphylum}}}]] > [[{{{microphylum}}}]] > [[{{{nanophylum}}}]] > [[{{{superclassis}}}]] > [[]] > [[{{{subclassis}}}]] > [[{{{infraclassis}}}]] > [[{{{superordo}}}]] > [[]] > [[{{{subordo}}}]] > [[{{{infraordo}}}]] > [[{{{superfamilia}}}]] > Restionaceae > [[{{{subfamilia}}}]] > [[{{{supertribus}}}]] > [[{{{tribus}}}]] > [[{{{subtribus}}}]] > Chondropetalum {{{subgenus}}} {{{sectio}}} {{{series}}} elephantinum var.

Its stiff, arching foliage and unusual, dark brown flower heads add a dramatic accent to the rock or Mediterranean style garden. 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. 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. This Restio is drought tolerant, but appreciates supplemental water in spring. It can be successfully planted in seaside gardens, used in relatively dry landscapes or as a plant in the shallows of a water garden or pond. In its natural habitat Chondropetalum elephantinum grows close to the coast, often preferring marshy habitat.

More information about this species can be found on the genus page.

Cultivation

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External links

• w:Chondropetalum Elephantinum - Cape Rush. Some of the material on this page may be from Wikipedia, under the Creative Commons license.
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