Sign In 
Get Premium Dekriet
(Rhodocoma gigantea)
Dekriet (Rhodocoma gigantea)
/
/
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Kenraiz | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Rhodocoma gigantea, commonly known as Dekriet, is an evergreen perennial grass native to the fynbos biome of the Western Cape in South Africa, where it thrives in mountainous areas and on rocky slopes. It can grow to a height of 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 meters) and a width of 9-15 feet (2.7-4.6 meters), forming dense tussocks. The plant features long, arching, reed-like stems with feathery plumes that sway gracefully in the wind. The foliage is typically green, and the flowers, which appear on the ends of the stems, are not particularly showy but add a fine texture to the landscape when they bloom in summer.
Dekriet is valued for its architectural form and its ability to create a dramatic effect in the landscape, especially when planted en masse. It is often used for erosion control on slopes, as a windbreak, or as a striking feature in ornamental gardens. This grass is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal water once established, and prefers well-drained soils. It tolerates a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it may need occasional grooming to remove old foliage and keep its appearance tidy.CC BY-SA 4.0
Dekriet is valued for its architectural form and its ability to create a dramatic effect in the landscape, especially when planted en masse. It is often used for erosion control on slopes, as a windbreak, or as a striking feature in ornamental gardens. This grass is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal water once established, and prefers well-drained soils. It tolerates a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it may need occasional grooming to remove old foliage and keep its appearance tidy.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Native to the fynbos biome of the Western Cape in South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Olifantsriet
Scientific Names: , Rhodocoma gigantea, Restio giganteus, Thamnochortus giganteus, Restio comosus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Rhodocoma gigantea (Kunth) H.P.Linder