Common Name:

General Information

Apodasmia similis is an erect, evergreen perennial, grass-like plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock. It produces a dense, slowly-spreading cluster of culms around 100cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of mateials. It is often grown as an ornamental in New Zealand.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

New Zealand - North, South, Chatham and Stewart Islands.

Habitat

A plant of coastal areas, growing amongst dunes and in salt marshes, occasionally it is also found inland on marshy lake shores on North and South Islands[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a position in full sun. Although naturally a plant of wet soils, it does well in a range of soils and moisture regimes. Succeeds in salty soils. Tolerant of maritime winds.
The plant is grown as an ornamental - it is a very popular tub and traffic island plant in some cities of New Zealand.
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Used for the outer thatching of houses[]. Very durable[]., this is by far the best species in New Zealand for this purpose[, ].

Propagation

Seed -best sown as soon as it is ripe, when it germinates freely and easily.
Division of rhizomes root easily.