Carex secta Pūrei / Makura / Swamp Sedge is one of New Zealand's most architecturally extraordinary native sedges, and a plant that genuinely gets better with age. It forms dense tussocks of grass-like leaves, typically light green to yellow-green, and is renowned for developing elevated trunk-like bases up to 1.5 metres tall.
Over time, its arching foliage eventually rises on these basal trunks, which is particularly noticeable in wetland areas creating a striking, prehistoric-looking silhouette that is unlike almost anything else in the New Zealand native plant palette. It is incredibly fast-growing and most useful for enhancing wetlands and ponds, preferring wet conditions and full sun, but also tolerating dry shade.
Carex Sectra
$3.50Price
Botanical Name Carex secta Māori Name Pūrei, Makura, Pūkio Common Name Swamp Sedge Family Cyperaceae Type Evergreen perennial sedge Origin Endemic to New Zealand — North, South, and Stewart Islands; also Chatham Island Mature Height Up to 1 m foliage; trunk base can add significant additional height in mature specimens Mature Spread Approximately 1 m Sun Requirements Full sun — does best in full sun Grows well in most soils and moisture regimes; thrives in wet, boggy conditions Water Tolerance Tolerates waterlogging year-round; prefers water depths of 10–30 cm Flowering Late September to December — loosely branching drooping panicles Fruiting October to March — seeds dispersed by wind, water, and birds Wind Tolerance Good Frost Tolerance Hardy — tolerates temperatures to approximately −12°C Drought Tolerance Can adapt to drier conditions once established, but truly excels in wet conditions Growth Rate Very fast growing Maintenance Very low Conservation Status Not Threatened
