Full sun-part shade; low to regular watering; likes water but will tolerate considerable drought. South African native forms dense tufted clumps from which arise 4-5ft tall dark green unbranched stems The dark brown sheaths at the joints drop off in summer leaving a dark band at each node. Late in the season the stems arch gracefully from the weight of clusters of small brown flowers at the tips. It can be successfully planted in seaside gardens, used in relatively dry landscapes or as a plant in the shallows of a water garden.