Mikado Stems
(Rhodocoma foliosa)
Mikado Stems (Rhodocoma foliosa)
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Shaun Swanepoel
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Shaun Swanepoel
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Shaun Swanepoel | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Occurence ID: https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/4978510676 | Publisher: Inaturalist |



















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Rhodocoma foliosa, commonly known as Mikado Stems, is an evergreen perennial grass or shrub native to the fynbos vegetation of the Western Cape in South Africa, where it thrives in well-drained sandy soils and is adapted to a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers. It typically grows to a height of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) and a width of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters), featuring arching, reed-like stems and narrow, feathery foliage that adds texture to the landscape.
Mikado Stems are valued for their graceful form and the movement they bring to gardens. They are often used in ornamental plantings, as accent plants, or in mass for erosion control on slopes. This plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal water once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It prefers full sun exposure and tolerates a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally pest and disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Mikado Stems do not have aggressive roots, making them a safe choice for planting near structures.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mikado Stems are valued for their graceful form and the movement they bring to gardens. They are often used in ornamental plantings, as accent plants, or in mass for erosion control on slopes. This plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal water once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It prefers full sun exposure and tolerates a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally pest and disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Mikado Stems do not have aggressive roots, making them a safe choice for planting near structures.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Fynbos vegetation of the Western Cape in South Africa
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Rhodocoma foliosa, Restio foliosus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Rhodocoma foliosa (N.E.Br.) H.P.Linder & C.R.Hardy