Narrow-leaf Cumbungi - Typha domingensis (Gumbung) seeds
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Typha domingensis - Cumbungi (Bulrush)
A versatile aquatic plant with traditional bush food and medicinal uses.
Quick Facts
- Growth Habit: Vigorous, cane-like perennial herb spreading by underground stems.
- Flowers: Cinnamon-brown spikes, with male flowers above female flowers on the same stem.
- Flowering Time: December to May.
- Soil & Habitat: Thrives in swamps, lake margins, streams, dams, and irrigation channels.
- Wildlife Value: Provides nesting and shelter for birds and serves as a habitat for frogs.
Why Grow Typha domingensis?
Cumbungi is a highly adaptable aquatic plant perfect for wetland restoration, wildlife-friendly gardens, and natural water filtration systems. Its striking appearance, rapid growth, and cultural significance make it a valuable addition to ponds, swamps, and water features. Beyond its ornamental appeal, its edible rhizomes and traditional medicinal uses offer a connection to Australia's rich cultural heritage.
Bush Food Note
The Typha plant is an ancient and nutritious bush food:
- Young Shoots: Eaten raw, with a crisp and refreshing taste.
- Rhizomes: A seasonal staple, rich in starch, traditionally steamed or roasted for consumption.
- Leaves: Used for weaving and string-making, adding practical value.
Bush Medicine
The plant has notable traditional medicinal uses:
- Sap: Applied to skin to repel leeches.
- Fluff: Used as an antiseptic wound dressing.
- Ash: Burnt fluff produces ash used as an insect repellent.
Disclaimer: Information about traditional bush medicine is provided for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.
How to Grow
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Planting Instructions:
- Plant in shallow water or boggy areas with rich, wet soil.
- Ensure adequate water depth (5–30 cm) for optimal growth.
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Position:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Ideal for ponds, swamps, and stream margins.
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Care Tips:
- Requires consistent moisture; thrives in aquatic and semi-aquatic environments.
- Trim back stems in late winter to encourage fresh spring growth.
- Monitor growth, as it can spread rapidly via underground stems.
Uses in Your Garden
- Aquatic Landscaping: A beautiful addition to ponds, dams, and wetlands.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and frogs.
- Water Filtration: Acts as a natural filter for removing impurities in water systems.
- Cultural Connection: Grow a plant with deep ties to Indigenous Australian traditions.
Germination Tips
- Timeframe: Seeds germinate in moist conditions within a few weeks.
- Moisture: Keep soil or water consistently wet during the germination process.
- Position: Place in a warm, sunny location to encourage growth.
Order Now
Add the beauty and functionality of Typha domingensis to your water garden or wetland. With its traditional uses, ecological value, and striking presence, Cumbungi is an essential addition to aquatic landscapes.
Order your Cumbungi seeds today and grow a plant that bridges Australia’s natural and cultural heritage!