Typha capensis

Typha capensis, is a species of plant that lives near water in southern Africa.

Growth and physical appearance
It is a monoecious perrenial herb. Their stems are simple, and terminate in cylindrical flower-spikes. The leaves are known to be long (0.5 - 1.5 m) and are bluish-gray to green.

The flowers are yellow at first, but turn brown later, and flower from December to January. The fruit has one seed which has many hairs on it.

Name
The genus name, Typha, may refer to the Greek typhos, meaning marsh, or typhe, meaning cat's tail. The species name, capensis refers to the Cape where it is found.

Uses and importance
T. capensis is considered a pest species, but has been known to be useful and important to people and the environment. It is used for venereal diseases, strengthen uterine contractions, and to improve circulation of diarrhea and dystentery. The pollen is used as food.

T. capensis is very important to several species of birds, such as the Moorhen, African Black Duck, Red Bishop, Yellowrumped Widow, and Common Waxbill.