Raupo

Typha orientalis Explore more in the native plants index.

Not Threatened

Introduction

Raup (scientific name: Typha orientalis) is New Zealand's most important native wetland plant, forming extensive stands in swamps, lake margins, and slow-flowing waterways. This distinctive plant, with its tall sword-like leaves and characteristic brown cigar-shaped flower heads, plays a crucial role in wetland ecosystems and Mori culture. Endemic to New Zealand, it's essential for water filtration, erosion control, and providing habitat for wetland wildlife. Explore more in the native plants index.

Image credit: Raupo (Typha orientalis) - Photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Raupo (Typha orientalis) is a native species valued in gardens and restoration for its form and resilience in suitable conditions. Learn more about wetland plants in our native plants guide.

Plant Description

Botanical Features

Raupo (Typha orientalis), commonly known as broad-leaf cumbungi or bulrush, is a robust, emergent monoecious aquatic perennial herb belonging to the family Typhaceae. It can grow up to 4.5 meters in height and has a rhizome that can reach up to 40 mm in diameter. Its leaves are grass-like, flat, hairless, and arranged in two rows up the stem, measuring between 100-200 cm long and 6-30 mm wide. The plant produces both male and female flowers on the same plant, arranged in cylindrical spikes. The upper spike consists of male flowers, while the lower spike contains female flowers, which are typically chestnut to brown in color and can be 8-30 cm long and 10-40 mm in diameter when mature. The long, sausage-like flower spikes are a distinctive feature, reaching 300-500 mm in length. It is found across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, growing in swamps, along the margins of lakes and streams, and in irrigation channels and drains. It is a wetland plant that thrives in boggy areas and bodies of water.

Quick Facts

Essential Information

Table data
Scientific Name	Typha orientalis
Height	1.5 - 3 m
Spread	Spreads indefinitely via rhizomes
Water Needs	High; requires constant moisture or shallow water
Light	Full sun to part shade
Frost Tolerance	High
Salt Tolerance	Low
Growth Rate	Fast
Lifespan	Long-lived perennial

Climate Best Suited to

Typha orientalis is highly adaptable and can be found throughout New Zealand in a wide range of climates, provided it has access to a permanent water source like a pond, stream margin, or boggy area. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions but is tolerant of cold and frost.

Regional Suitability

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

Natural Habitat

Raupo (Typha orientalis), commonly known as bulrush or cumbungi, is a robust, emergent aquatic perennial herb native to a wide range of regions including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia. In New Zealand, it is a widespread and important native wetland plant.

Key Habitats Include:

Wetland Environments: It thrives in various wetland environments, such as swamps, the edges of ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing rivers and streams. It can also be found in irrigation channels and boggy areas.
Shallow Water: It typically grows in shallow water up to 1 meter deep or in boggy ground, showcasing its adaptation to semi-aquatic conditions.

Preferred Conditions:

Soil: It prefers rich soil but tolerates various soil types (sandy, loamy, clay) and pH levels (mildly acidic to alkaline).
Light: It requires full sun to semi-shade.
Moisture: It needs consistently wet soil, often growing directly in water.

The presence of Typha orientalis in these diverse wetland habitats underscores its ecological importance in contributing to the biodiversity and structural complexity of New Zealand's wetland ecosystems. Its vigorous growth and ability to colonize various aquatic environments make it a significant component of these habitats.

Plant Conservation

Typha orientalis, also known as bulrush, cumbungi, or raupō, is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, indicating it is not currently at risk of extinction. However, its conservation often involves managing its prolific growth and invasive tendencies, as it can form dense stands that alter wetland ecosystems. While native to regions including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia, Typha orientalis can become an aggressive colonizer, necessitating management strategies to control its spread. In New Zealand, where it is a significant native wetland plant with cultural importance to Māori, its vigorous growth needs careful management, particularly in smaller gardens or restoration projects. Management and control methods include physical removal, burning, herbicide application, and water level manipulation. Despite its invasive potential, Typha orientalis also offers ecological benefits, such as stabilizing soil and filtering pollutants, making it useful in natural water treatment systems.

Growing Requirements

Habitat and Water Requirements

Raupo (Typha orientalis) is a wetland plant that absolutely requires permanently wet or waterlogged soil conditions. It thrives in shallow, fertile waters such as the margins of ponds, lakes, slow-flowing streams, rivers, and swamps. It can grow in water up to 1.5 meters deep. Consistent moisture is critical, with the root zone needing to remain wet or submerged throughout the growing season.

Light Requirements

Raupo prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Abundant light is necessary for optimal growth and flowering; reduced light levels may lead to fewer flower spikes and less vigorous growth.

Soil Requirements

Raupo thrives in wet, boggy soils and can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they are kept moist. It is often found in fertile wetlands.

Planting Guide

Typha orientalis, also known as Broad-leaved Cumbungi or Oriental Bulrush, is a vigorous, herbaceous perennial wetland plant that can grow up to 3 meters (9ft 10in) tall. It is known for its fast-spreading rhizomatous rootstock, which allows it to form dense colonies.

Water Management

Typha orientalis is an "obligate wetland" species, meaning it requires permanently wet or waterlogged soil conditions. It thrives in shallow, fertile waters such as the margins of ponds, lakes, slow-flowing streams, rivers, and swamps. It can grow in water up to 1.5 meters deep, but is often found in depths up to 1 meter. Consistent moisture is crucial, with the root zone needing to remain wet or submerged throughout the growing season. It can tolerate both stagnant and flowing water.

Soil Preferences

This plant thrives in wet, boggy soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including light (sandy), medium (loamy), and heavy (clay) soils, as long as they are kept moist. It prefers rich soil with high amounts of organic matter. It is suitable for mildly acid, neutral, and basic (mildly alkaline) pH soils.

Light and Climate

Typha orientalis prefers full sun to part shade. It is highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of climates, from cold temperate to tropical regions, provided it has access to a permanent water source. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions but is tolerant of cold and frost.

Propagation

Seed Propagation: Surface sow seeds in a pot and stand the pot in 3 cm of water. Pot up young seedlings as soon as possible, gradually increasing the water depth as the plants develop. Plant them out in summer when they are large enough. High humidity is essential for germination.
Division Propagation: This is a very easy method, typically done in spring. Harvest young shoots that are about 10-30 cm tall, ensuring each has at least some root attached, and plant them directly into their permanent positions. Its rhizomatous roots enable effective spreading.

Cultivation Details and Care

Invasiveness: Typha orientalis is a very vigorous plant and can be highly invasive, spreading freely at the roots when in a suitable site. In smaller gardens or water features, its vigorous spreading nature requires careful management to prevent unwanted colonization. It can displace other species, especially in areas where salinity is reduced.
Pruning: Pruning in early to late spring can enhance health and appearance by removing dead or damaged foliage, which encourages new growth. Avoid significant pruning during the growing season to reduce stress on the plant.
Fertilization: For optimal growth, fertilize biannually during spring and late summer with moderate amounts of a balanced fertilizer. Diluting the fertilizer can help prevent root burn.

Uses

Beyond its ornamental value, Typha orientalis plays a crucial role in wetland ecosystems, aiding in water filtration and erosion control, and providing habitat for wildlife. Various parts of the plant have traditional uses, including edible rhizomes and pollen, and stems used for weaving and thatch.

Ecological Role

Wetland Engine

Raupō (Typha orientalis) is a primary builder of emergent wetland habitat. Dense rhizomes and upright leaves slow water, trap sediments, and uptake excess nutrients, improving water clarity and providing nursery cover for aquatic invertebrates and fish.

Wildlife Support

The tall swards offer nesting and refuge for wetland birds and shelter for eels and īnanga along pond and lake edges. Seasonal pollen and detritus fuel wetland food webs.

Uses & Significance

Cultural & Practical Uses

Mori Traditional Uses: Raupo was a vital resource. The leaves were used for thatching roofs (whare), weaving mats, and creating poi. The starchy rhizomes were a food source, and the pollen was collected and baked into cakes.
Ecological Value: Provides critical habitat and food for waterfowl and other wetland wildlife. Its dense root system helps to filter water and stabilise banks, reducing erosion.
Garden Ponds: An excellent plant for adding height and structure to larger ponds and water features.

Landscaping Ideas

Constructed Wetlands

Raupō is ideal for nutrient-stripping cells and wildlife ponds. Plant in contained beds and manage spread to keep channels open and habitat diverse.

Seasonal Care

Raupo (Typha orientalis) is a vigorous and adaptable wetland plant that thrives with consistent moisture and sunlight. Its care is generally low-maintenance, focusing on managing its spread and tidying old foliage.

Spring

Active Growth: Spring is an active growth period for Raupo. New shoots emerge from the rhizomes.
Planting: This is an ideal time for planting new specimens or dividing established clumps.
Watering: Ensure the plant has access to permanent water or consistently wet soil as growth accelerates.

Summer

Flowering: Summer is typically when the distinctive brown, sausage-like flower heads appear.
Vigorous Growth: Raupo will exhibit its most vigorous growth during the warmer months.
Watering: Ensure constant moisture or shallow water is maintained, especially during hot, dry periods.

Autumn

Seed Dispersal: The flower heads mature and disperse fluffy seeds in autumn.
Growth Slows: As temperatures cool, the growth rate of Raupo will begin to slow.
Maintenance: Old foliage may start to yellow and die back.

Winter

Dormancy: Winter is typically a dormant period for Raupo, with minimal growth activity.
Tidying: Old, brown leaves can be cut back in late autumn or winter to tidy up the plant and encourage fresh spring growth.
Frost Tolerance: Raupo is highly frost-tolerant and generally requires no special winter protection.

Pruning

Techniques and Timing

Raupo (Typha orientalis) is a vigorous wetland plant that generally requires minimal pruning. Pruning is primarily done for aesthetic reasons, to manage its spread, or to encourage fresh growth.

Maintenance Pruning: In late autumn or winter, old, brown leaves and spent flower stalks can be cut back to tidy up the plant. This also encourages a flush of fresh green growth in spring.
Spread Control: Raupo can spread rapidly through its rhizomes. If you need to contain the plant in a garden setting, consider installing a root barrier or planting it in a submerged container. Regular division can also help manage its spread.
Avoid Heavy Pruning During Growing Season: While it tolerates cutting back, avoid heavy pruning during the active growing season unless absolutely necessary, as this can temporarily reduce its vigor.
Tools: Use sharp, clean shears or scissors for pruning.

How to Grow Raupo

Raupo (Typha orientalis) is one of New Zealand's most robust and adaptable wetland plants, perfectly suited for pond margins, water gardens, and wetland restoration projects. This indigenous species thrives in nutrient-rich, waterlogged conditions and can establish rapidly once planted. While extremely hardy and low-maintenance, its vigorous spreading nature requires careful management in smaller gardens to prevent unwanted colonization of water features.

From Seed

Seed propagation offers the most economical method for establishing large stands of Raupo, particularly useful for wetland restoration or naturalizing projects. The tiny, wind-dispersed seeds germinate readily under optimal aquatic conditions.

Collect ripe seed heads in late summer to autumn when the characteristic brown, cigar-shaped flower spikes begin to release fluffy seeds
Harvest entire seed heads before they fully disperse, storing them in paper bags in a cool, dry location
Extract seeds by gently breaking apart the seed heads when ready to sow
Surface-sow seeds on a bog-standard seed-raising mix without covering them with soil
Place seed containers in trays with 3cm of standing water to maintain constant moisture
Position in bright, indirect light with temperatures between 15-25°C
Expect germination within 3-10 days under ideal conditions
Transplant seedlings when they reach 5-8cm tall, potting up in individual containers
Gradually increase water depth as plants grow, preparing them for final planting
Plant out in summer when temperatures are stable and plants are well-established

Division of Rhizomes

Rhizome division is the most reliable method for propagating Raupo, ensuring genetic consistency and rapid establishment. This technique works best with mature clumps that have developed extensive underground systems.

Perform divisions in spring when new growth is actively emerging from rhizomes
Carefully lift established clumps using a sharp spade or garden fork
Wash away excess mud to clearly see the rhizome structure and growing points
Select vigorous sections with both established roots and young shoots 10-30cm tall
Cut rhizomes with a sharp, clean knife, ensuring each division has multiple growing points
Allow cut surfaces to dry for 30 minutes to prevent rot before planting
Plant divisions immediately in prepared planting sites with water depths of 10-30cm
Anchor rhizomes securely in substrate using stones or pegs to prevent floating
Maintain water levels consistently during the establishment period
Space divisions 1-1.5 meters apart to allow for natural expansion

Establishment in Water Gardens

Creating optimal conditions for Raupo in managed water features requires careful attention to water depth, substrate preparation, and long-term management strategies.

Prepare planting areas with water depths between 10-30cm for optimal growth
Use heavy clay soil or commercial aquatic planting medium rich in organic matter
Install root barriers at least 2 meters deep to prevent unwanted spread
Consider planting in large submerged containers for complete containment
Position plants in full sun to partial shade locations for best flowering
Ensure pH levels between 6.0-7.5 for optimal nutrient uptake
Add a 5cm layer of coarse gravel over soil to prevent substrate disturbance
Fill planting area slowly to avoid disturbing newly planted rhizomes
Monitor for signs of nutrient deficiency during the first growing season
Expect rapid establishment with flowering typically occurring in the second year

Wetland Restoration Planting

For large-scale wetland restoration projects, Raupo serves as an excellent pioneer species that helps stabilize margins and improve water quality through nutrient uptake and filtration.

Select sites with consistent water supply and seasonal flooding patterns
Test soil and water for nutrient levels and pH before planting
Plant along the margins first, allowing natural expansion into deeper areas
Space initial plantings 2-3 meters apart for large restoration areas
Combine with other native wetland species to create diverse plant communities
Monitor for overly aggressive spread and thin if necessary
Allow natural seed dispersal to colonize appropriate adjacent areas
Coordinate with local authorities regarding permits for wetland modifications
Consider the long-term ecological impact on existing plant communities
Document establishment success and environmental benefits for future projects

Container Cultivation

Growing Raupo in containers allows gardeners to enjoy this iconic wetland plant while maintaining complete control over its spread and growth habits.

Choose large containers at least 40cm wide and 30cm deep
Use heavy aquatic soil or clay-based potting mix to anchor plants
Drill drainage holes 10-15cm from the bottom to maintain water levels
Position containers in full sun to encourage compact, healthy growth
Submerge containers in water features so soil surface is 5-10cm below water level
Fertilize monthly during growing season with aquatic plant fertilizer
Divide and repot every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding
Move containers to deeper water in winter if frost is expected
Monitor for signs of pot binding and upgrade container size as needed
Trim dead foliage regularly to maintain appearance and plant health

Management and Control

While valued for its ecological benefits, Raupo's aggressive growth requires proactive management to prevent it from overwhelming other plants or clogging waterways.

Install physical barriers such as deep trenches or root barriers before planting
Regular thinning of rhizomes helps maintain desired population levels
Remove flower heads before seed set if natural spread is undesirable
Monitor water nutrient levels, as high fertility promotes excessive growth
Create buffer zones with other competitive plants to limit natural expansion
Coordinate with neighbors in shared waterway management
Document spread patterns to predict future management needs

Care and Maintenance

Difficulty: Easy

Once established, Raupo requires very little care. It is a hardy plant that is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, as long as its roots are kept consistently wet. In late autumn or winter, the old, brown leaves can be cut back to tidy up the plant and make way for new growth in the spring. Fertilizing is generally not necessary, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied in spring to encourage more vigorous growth if desired. The main maintenance task is to control its spread, as it can quickly colonize a wetland area.

Pests & Diseases

Hardy Nature

Raupo is very robust and generally free from pests and diseases when grown in appropriate conditions.

Cultural Significance

Typha orientalis, also known as bulrush, cumbungi, or raupō (in Māori), holds significant cultural importance, particularly among the Māori people of New Zealand and Aboriginal communities in Australia, due to its diverse traditional uses. The plant's versatility made it a valuable resource for food, building materials, medicine, and various crafts. Both Māori and Aboriginal people utilized Typha orientalis as a food source. The Māori cooked and consumed the underground stems, known as rhizomes, and baked the flowers into cakes. Young shoots were eaten raw or cooked, often as an asparagus substitute, and the base of mature stems was also consumed. The long leaves of Typha orientalis were extensively used by the Māori for constructing roofs and walls for their houses, and occasionally for making sails for canoes. Beyond building, the stems and leaves were woven into mats, chairs, and hats. The Māori also crafted kites from the leaves. The plant's fibers were extracted from leaves and roots to make paper and string. The hairs from the fruits were used for stuffing pillows, as wound dressings, and even as lining for babies' nappies. The Māori applied the long, narrow leaves of Typha orientalis as bandages for wounds and broken bones. More broadly, the plant's pollen was used in traditional medicine internally to treat ailments such as kidney stones, hemorrhage, and painful menstruation, and externally for conditions like tapeworms, diarrhea, and injuries. Typha orientalis also served other practical purposes. Its stems were used to create rush lights, and its highly flammable pollen was even utilized in fireworks. Aboriginal communities in Australia practiced a form of early agriculture by burning the leaves during the dry season to enhance the plant's growth. The Māori also introduced Typha orientalis to the Chatham Islands, where it continued to be a valuable resource.

Bonus Tip

Raupō spreads vigorously by rhizomes; confine plantings to lined ponds or dedicated wetland beds and thin clumps periodically to maintain open water for wildlife.