Typha domingensis

Family Typhaceae

Narrow-leaved Cumbungi

Robust, emergent monoecious aquatic herb to 2 m high with creeping rhizomes. Longevity indefinite.

Flowers: Separate male (upper) and female flowers (lower) on one spike, November – May.

Fruit:

Seed: Small, one-seeded follicle surrounded by silky hairs. Water and wind dispersed over large distances.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Aquatic plant found in stationary or slow-flowing water to 2 m deep, in ditched, ponds and creeks.
• Occasional in lakes at the Australian Botanic Garden (Lake Sedgwick).
• Coloniser of wet mud
• Leaves and stems reported to be eaten by Black Swan, Cygnus atratus and foodplant of Freckled Duck, Stictonetta nervosa.
• Habitat for Eastern Dwarf Treefrog, Litoria fallax.