Carex secta (Pūrei)

Carex secta

Not Threatened

Carex secta, commonly known as pūrei or makura, is one of New Zealand's most distinctive sedges. Its most remarkable feature is the elevated "trunk" formed by densely packed, fibrous old leaf bases and roots, which can raise the growing crown up to a meter above ground level. These natural pedestals, sometimes called "towers" or "islands," are a characteristic sight in wetlands and along waterways throughout New Zealand. native trees

This hardy plant plays a crucial role in wetland ecosystems and has significant cultural importance to Māori, who traditionally used it for various practical and medicinal purposes. Its architectural form and adaptability make it increasingly popular in modern landscape design and ecological restoration projects.

Image credit: Carex Secta (Carex secta). Wikipedia

Quick Facts

Scientific Name	Carex secta
Height	Up to 1.5 m (5 ft) including trunk
Spread	1–2 m (3–6 ft) wide clumps
Water Needs	High; thrives in wet soils and standing water
Light	Full sun to partial shade
Frost Tolerance	High; tolerates heavy frosts
Salt Tolerance	Moderate; tolerates some coastal exposure
Growth Rate	Moderate to fast
Lifespan	Long-lived perennial

Climate Suitability

City	Suitability
Whangārei	Ideal
Auckland	Ideal
Hamilton	Ideal
Tauranga	Ideal
Rotorua	Ideal
Gisborne	Ideal
New Plymouth	Ideal
Napier	Moderate
Whanganui	Ideal
Palmerston North	Ideal
Wellington	Ideal
Nelson	Ideal
Christchurch	Ideal
Dunedin	Moderate
Invercargill	Moderate

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Carex secta demonstrates flexibility in soil conditions but has specific preferences:

Soil Type:
- Heavy clay to sandy loam
- High organic matter content preferred
- Tolerates poor drainage
- Can grow in standing water
pH Range:
- Optimal: 5.5-7.0
- Tolerates: 5.0-7.5
Drainage:
- Poor to moderate drainage acceptable
- Can thrive in permanently wet soils
- Tolerates seasonal flooding

Light Requirements

Light preferences vary by location:

Natural Habitat:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Tolerates dappled shade
- Best growth in full sun
Exposure Considerations:
- Morning sun ideal
- Afternoon shade beneficial in hot regions
- Wind tolerant once established

Water Requirements

Water needs vary by season and location:

Establishment Phase:
- Keep consistently moist
- Daily watering may be needed
- Reduce gradually as roots develop
Mature Plants:
- Tolerates standing water
- Drought tolerant once established
- Prefers consistent moisture

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

Wetland and rain garden plantings

Used by Māori for weaving and practical uses; valued in traditional wetland management.

Provides habitat for wetland birds and insects; stabilizes soil and improves water quality.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

New growth begins
Divide and replant if needed
Monitor for weed competition
Check water levels
Apply slow-release fertilizer if desired

Summer

Maintain consistent moisture
Remove any dead foliage
Watch for signs of drought stress
Monitor water quality in wetland settings

Autumn

Clean up fallen debris
Prepare for winter growth slowdown
Good time for new plantings
Check stability of elevated crowns

Winter

Minimal maintenance needed
Monitor water levels
Remove damaged foliage
Plan spring division if needed

When to Prune and How Much

Carex secta requires minimal pruning but benefits from occasional maintenance:

Remove dead or damaged leaves at any time
Cut back old foliage in late winter/early spring
Trim flowering stems after seed has set if desired
Avoid cutting into the crown or trunk
Clean tools between plants to prevent disease spread

When pruning, focus on maintaining the plant's natural form and removing only what is necessary for plant health or aesthetic purposes.

Planting Guide

When to Plant

The best time to plant Carex secta is during spring or autumn when soil moisture is reliable and temperatures are moderate. This gives plants time to establish before extreme weather conditions.

Site Selection

Choose a site with consistent moisture
Full sun to partial shade
Protected from strong winds while establishing
Allow space for mature size
Consider water table depth

Planting Procedure

Prepare the site by removing weeds
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball
Plant at the same depth as it was growing in the container
Backfill with soil, firming gently
Water thoroughly after planting
Apply mulch to retain moisture

Spacing

Space plants 0.8-1.2 meters apart to allow for mature spread. In mass plantings for erosion control, spacing can be reduced to 0.6-0.8 meters.

Propagation

Division

Timing:
- Early spring optimal
- Autumn possible in warmer regions
- Avoid mid-summer division
Process:
- Lift whole plant or section
- Cut through crown with sharp spade
- Ensure each division has roots and shoots
- Trim damaged roots and old foliage
Planting:
- Plant immediately
- Water thoroughly
- Maintain moisture until established

From Seed

Collection:
- Harvest when seeds turn brown
- Late summer to autumn timing
- Store in cool, dry place
Sowing:
- Spring sowing best
- Use fresh seed when possible
- Surface sow on moist medium
Care:
- Keep consistently moist
- Maintain warm temperature
- Protect from strong sun

Cultural History

Carex secta holds significant cultural value in New Zealand:

Traditional Uses by Māori

Weaving (Raranga):
- Leaves used for fine weaving
- Creation of mats (whariki)
- Basket making (kete)
- Temporary shelters
Construction:
- Building materials for whare
- Thatching material
- Natural platforms in wetlands
- Temporary bridges
Medicinal (Rongoā):
- Treatment of skin conditions
- Wound dressing material
- Pain relief applications

Modern Applications

Environmental:
- Wetland restoration
- Erosion control
- Water quality improvement
- Habitat creation
Landscape Design:
- Rain gardens
- Water features
- Natural barriers
- Architectural accent plants

Conservation Considerations

Current Threats

Habitat Loss:
- Wetland drainage
- Urban development
- Agricultural conversion
- Infrastructure projects
Environmental Pressures:
- Climate change impacts
- Altered hydrology
- Water pollution
- Sedimentation
Biological Threats:
- Invasive species competition
- Grazing pressure
- Disease susceptibility
- Genetic isolation

While Carex secta remains common, the ongoing loss of wetland habitats threatens natural populations. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and restoration.

Bonus Tip

Create dramatic night lighting effects by positioning uplights around mature Carex secta specimens. The elevated form casts interesting shadows, while the arching foliage creates movement in evening breezes. This works particularly well near water features where the light reflects off both the plant and water surface.