Schoenoplectiella juncoides
Genus
Schoenoplectiella
Species
juncoides
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Kaluhā
Hawaiian Names
- Kaluha
Common Names
- Rock bulrush
Synonyms
- Schoenoplectus juncoides
- Scirpus juncoides
- Scirpus rockii
Distribution Status
Indigenous
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Clumping
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Grass-like, Tall, Greater than or equal to 2.5
Mature Size, Width
Kaluhā form 1-foot wide clumps.
Life Span
Short lived (Less than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Ground Cover
- Water Features
Additional Landscape Use Information
This attractive rush can be grown in water features or in pots with good moisture and good sunlight. A great plant for soggy areas in the landscape where most other plants would perish.
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Brownish
- Yellow
Additional Flower Color Information
Kaluhā have 2 to 10 spikelets with pale yellowish brown diminutive flowers.
Blooming Period
- Year Round
Plant texture
- Coarse
Additional Plant Texture Information
The round leaves range from 5 to nearly 30 inches long.
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
Additional Leaf Color Information
Kaluhā have pale green leaves.
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Kaluhā is prone to ants, scale, mealy bugs and aphids.
Fertilizer
In containers that hold water, some fertilizers are appreciated but be cautious of too much nitrogen which can produce green algae, especially during the summer months. None necessary in large water features. In large ponds kaluhā will get nutrient needs from the water habitat it grows in. Never apply fertilizer in natural wetlands sites. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Pruning Information
Little required except to trim spent stalks.
Water Requirements
- Moist
Additional Water Information
Kaluhā grows in both moist and wet conditions, and even with roots submerged in water.
Possibly brackish water tolerant. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Soil must be well drained
No
Light Conditions
- Full sun
Spacing Information
Plant kaluhā in clumps of about a foot apart. They will spread by rhizomes.
When stalks get naturally heavy with seeds or when replanting to a new location, many of the stalks tend to flop over. This can also happen in heavy rain downpours. This is natural. New stalks will grow straight up and display their yellow, green and brown seed heads. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Tolerances
- Waterlogged Soil
Soils
- Cinder
- Organic
Limitations
Does not seem to do well with other competative sedges such as makaloa (Cyperus laevigatus). [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Natural Range
- Kauaʻi
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- 150 to 1000, Greater than 100 (Wet)
- 1000 to 1999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
- 2000 to 2999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
- 3000 to 3999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
- 4000 to 4999, Greater than 100 (Wet)
Additional Habitat Information
In the Hawaiian Islands, kaluhā is naturally found only on Kauaʻi, and apparently collected once on Hawaiʻi Island (Kohala Mts.). It is found at high elevations occurring in and around bogs, pond margins, and in wet forest from 600 to 4,500 feet.
Special Features and Information
General Information
Kaluhā belong to the rush genus Schoenoplectiella in the Sedge family (Cyperaceae) with 27 species worldwide. [2]
Rush or Sedge? Though rushes and sedge belong to the same family (Cyperaceae), there is a simple way to distinguish one from another: the stem-like leaves (culms). Rushes have round, cylindrical stems or leaves, sometimes hollow like a drinking straw if cut open. Sedges have triangular, often sharp-edged leaves. Just remember: "rushes are round; sedges have edges."
Kaluhā somewhat resembles makaloa (Cyperus laevigatus), especially when the seed head (perianth) is in the younger stages. But plants are readily distinguished by the overall larger size of seed head and the accompanying bristles.
This genus name for this sedge has recently changed. [1]
Etymology
The generic name Schoenoplectiella is from the Greek schoinos, rush, and plektos, plaited or twisted. The suffix -iella denotes small or duminutive, perhaps because it resembles a small Schoenoplectus.
The specific epithet juncoides, resembling Juncus, a non-native rush in the Juncaceae or Rush family.
Additional References
[1] The International Plant Names Index, http://www.ipni.org/ (accessed 9/1/08)
[2] http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/qsearch.do [accessed 10/19/09]
PHOTOS FOR THIS SPECIES CAN BE SEEN AT THE LINK (Copy & Paste to your browser):
https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=50823119%40N08&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=Schoenoplectiella%20juncoides
Plant Gallery
Back to Plant List
Other Nursery Profiles for Schoenoplectiella juncoides