Apodasmia similis

Apodasmia similis (synonym Leptocarpus similis) is part of a group of large perennials from the southern hemisphere that resemble grasses, reeds or bamboo and are commonly called Restios. This one, with its impressive stature, may not be the hardiest, but it is one of the most beautifully coloured and most adaptable to different growing conditions. The plant forms a dense clump of slender stems punctuated by brown bracts, with a gray-green colour that turns to yellow-green and then orange at the end of the season, adorned with clusters of lovely red flowers in summer. This plant is original, robust, and decorative, suitable for cultivation in mild climates, or in a large container to overwinter in a protected place.

Apodasmia similis is a plant in the Restionaceae family. It is a botanical Restio native to New Zealand, found particularly in coastal regions, on moist and salty soils, as well as in marshy areas or along highways. This plant prefers moist or even flooded areas and is perfectly adapted to coastal conditions, but it can also tolerate dry periods once established. It is still very rarely planted in our gardens, and its hardiness in European climates is not well tested. Some sources indicate down to -8°C (17.6 °F) in extreme cases.

In favourable climates this large herbaceous perennial forms a clump of emerging stems, slightly tapering upwards. Its growth is quite slow, and the plant has a powerful rhizomatous stump that expands over time without becoming invasive. In the ground it will reach about 1 m (3 in 4 ft) in all directions. The plant develops culms or slender stems (1.5 to 2.5 mm (0.1 - 0.1 in) in diameter), rigid, with a grey-green, olive green, or reddish color, on which decorative nodes with short brown foliar sheaths are visible. The stems do not bear true leaves. At the end of each branch, male or female inflorescences appear depending on the individual. This plant is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. Flowering occurs in June-July depending on the climate, in the form of long spikes of bright red colour in females, and a reddish-brown colour in males, followed by the formation of shiny brown capsules on females in the presence of male plants. Although theoretically evergreen, the vegetation will be destroyed by frost, but a well-established plant will regenerate from the stump in spring. In its country of origin, its depolluting properties are used in lagoon systems or to drain excessively wet areas.

Apodasmia similis is a colourful and extraordinary grass that rarely goes unnoticed by those who have seen it in its native lands. It can be planted in the ground in our coastal regions if spared from severe frosts, where it will make a sensation both on the banks of water features where it appreciates the moist soil, or in much drier sandy soil. In colder climates it can be used to add very effective decoration on a terrace and then be overwintered. Whether in the ground or in a pot, its combination with the astonishing Boronia, bamboos, Nandina, Dierama, Callistemon or other grasses with a more contemporary look is always successful. Its flowers are very beautiful in dried bouquets.