TYPHACEAE

Slender Cumbungi

 

2m 

Spear-like flower spikes, female flowerhead cinnamon brown. 

 

Vigorous perennial aquatic, emergent rush-like leaves 5-15mm wide. 

Break O'Day; Brighton; Flinders Island; Glamorgan-Spring Bay; Hobart; Launceston; Northern Midlands; Sorell; West Tamar 

 

Throughout the State in farm dams, creeks, ponds and slow-moving rivers. 

 

Moderate 

 

Propagation from division or seed, but not recommended for planting as it can take over large dams and wetlands. Identified as having weedy potential by the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, although not declared at present. In Victoria, the floury rhizomes of bulrushes traditionally provided a staple food. It was prepared by steaming by the underground stems by the fire for a while, peeling off the outer rind, and tying the fibres into a knot which was chewed on until all the starch was removed. The young succulent leaf bases were also eaten, and tasted similar to peas. The leftover fibres were softened by soaking, and rolled on the thigh to form a strong, durable and rot-resistant string, and made into large fishing nets up to 180m in length. Bulrushes are said to have anti-bacterial properties, and are also used for modern day basket weaving. Cumbungi plays an important role in water purification in constructed wetlands. Suitable below powerlines. 

Contained in old flower spike, each of which can contain up to 200 000 seeds with high viability. Seed released within 3-14 days of seed maturity. 

Bog method 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes