Typha domingensis
Narrowleaf Cumbungi, Gumbung
Vigorous erect cane-like perennial herb spreading by underground stems. Terminal spike of male flowers above spike of female flowers on same stem. Plant remains green in winter.
Additional information
- SynonymSeparated from Typha angustifolia
- FamilyTyphaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size1-2 m x spreading
- Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
- LeavesGreen to yellowish-green strap leaves near the base of stem, to 2 m x 5-15 mm, leaf sheath at base of leaves, top 1-2 may have ear-shaped lobes. Leaves bi-convex in cross section.
- Flower colourCinnamon-brown,
- Flowering timeDecember to May
- FlowersDense cylindrical spikes, male and female 2-5.5 cm apart. Female flowers numerous, broadly spoon-shaped bracts, stigma narrow, folded lengthwise, female spike 10-24 cm x 5-15 mm.
- Bird attractingHabitat - nesting and/or safety
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatYes
- Growing conditionsSemi-aquatic to aquatic, up to 1 m deep along edges of waterways and swamps. Full sun, semi-shade.
- Garden useVery vigorous in wet areas, not tolerating drying out. Can be difficult to control unless roots are restricted.
- Commercially availableNo information available
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Aboriginal Use Food - young shoots (raw), root (steamed, roasted); leaf - string (fibre), weaving
- Related speciesVery similar to Typha orientalis, often growing together. Refer to sheet for specific differences - include distance between male & female spikes, size of female spike, bracts, stigma, sheaths. Typha latifolia - introduced species, dies down in winter. Female spike dark red-brown to black-brown, bracts absent, stigmas broad at tip, flat and fleshy; leaves almost flat in cross section.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2, 5 Marilyn Bull ©; 3, 4 Peter Kinchington ©
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