Cape thatch, also known as Roofreed, Albertinia thatchreed

Cape thatch is a robust, perennial reed characterized by its tall stature, reaching 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) in height. As cape thatch matures, its glossy stems begin to arch, creating a spray of foliage spanning 6 to 9 feet (1.8 to 2.7 meters) wide. The foliage presents as a mass of finely divided, curly leaves when young, developing into rigid, upright culms as the plant ages. During the flowering period in mid-summer, cape thatch remains visually similar irrespective of gender until the distinctive seed production occurs on female plants. The plant exhibits resilience, enduring moderate frost and drought conditions once established.