Kapa, Mieke MClarkson, Bruce D.2009-08-052009-08-052009Kapa, M. M. & Clarkson, B. D. (2009). Biological flora of New Zealand 11. Eleochairs spacelata, kuta, paopao, bamboo spike sedge. New Zealand Journal of Botany, 47(1), 43-52.https://hdl.handle.net/10289/2748Information relevant to the ecology and morphology of Eleocharis sphacelata (Cyperaceae) available through published and unpublished sources is assembled and reviewed. Eleocharis sphacelata is a freshwater wetland sedge found growing at the edge of lake margins, swamps, lagoons, and bogs within New Zealand, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. It is a perennial rhizomatous herb, with tall green cylindrical culms rising from submerged rhizomes generally buried under water in aerobic soils. A tendency to dominate the deepwater margins makes E. sphacelata crucial to the ecology of this habitat as a source of food, shelter, and protection for invertebrates, birds, and fish. Eleocharis sphacelata is commonly named giant spike-rush, kuta, or paopao. Māori have traditionally used the plant for clothing and warm coverings within whare (houses). Recent interest comes from its use in restoration plantings and constructed wetlands.enculturalEleocharisindigenousMaoriNew Zealandrushsedgespike-rushweavingwetlandJournal Article