Rhodocoma arida, commonly known as Restio or Cape Restio, is a deciduous perennial grass native to the fynbos biome of the Western Cape in South Africa, where it thrives in sandy soils, often in coastal areas and mountainous regions. This species is adapted to a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers. It reaches a height of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) and a width of 2-10 feet (0.6-3 meters), forming dense, reed-like clumps. The plant’s appearance is characterized by its tall, slender, and dark green culms, which turn golden brown in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.

Restio is valued for its architectural form and texture, which can add a dramatic effect to garden compositions. It is often used in ornamental grass plantings, contemporary garden designs, and as a screen or backdrop for other plants. Restio is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and gardens with low water availability. It prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soils, tolerating a range of soil types from sandy to loamy. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0