Common name: Bulrush, Cumbungi, Balyan Family name: Typhaceae Botanical name: Typha spp. T. orientalis, T. domingensis Flowering/fruiting season: '… germinates in spring, makes prolific growth during the warmer months, and dries off in winter. Height: to 2.5m.' (Oates & Seeman, 1979:16) Location: 'On shores of Lake Burley Griffin, also swampy areas along creeks and on slopes.' (Burbidge & Gray, 1976:12); Aranda bushland (FOAB, 1997:76)

Use:

• Food, technology
• 'Glutinous rhizomes were roasted.' (Flood, 1980:93)
• Lake Boga - As well as being a nutritious starch laden food, the underground stems or rhizomes contain fibre which could be made into very strong and durable string. … made into very large nets, up to 180 metres in length.' Also made: waist belts, head bands and bags. Roots steamed, skin removed, fibres chewed until starch removed. String twisted from cumbungi fibres is 'very strong and resists rotting. All twine was two ply.' (Zola & Gott, 1992:62-63)
• 'During spring and summer, young shoots were pulled up and eaten raw.' (Oates & Seeman, 1979:16)

Notes:
Flowering spike consists of 'mass of short-lived male flowers near the tip and, below it, tightly packed female flowers which eventually develop into the brown rods.' (Cribb & Cribb, 1987:189)

Language names:

• gummiuk : Monaro; gamjag : South Ngarigo - reeds with edible roots (probably T. angustifolia) (Flood, 1980: 358)
• poorteetch : Tjapwurong, Gunditjmara Lake Boga district, Victoria; 'there were six separate names for different parts and conditions of the plant.' (Zola & Gott, 1992:62)

Horticulture :

• Propagation by division or from seed.
• 'Not recommended for general use as it will take over large dams.' (Wrigley & Fagg, 1998: 219)

Similar species:

Use code:
ROOT

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