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Matting Rush

Juncus kraussii

SA tree number

English: Matting Rush, Dune Slack Rush, Sea Rush

Zulu: Incema

Misapplied or old scientific names: Juncus fasciculiflorus, Juncus kraussii var. effusus, Juncus kraussii var. parviflorus, Juncus spretus

Juncus kraussii, commonly known as Matting Rush or Incema, is a strong, tufted perennial rush that grows in large colonies in wetlands. This versatile plant is highly valued for its physical strength, which makes it an excellent natural fibre for weaving traditional items like sleeping mats and baskets. Beyond its utility, it plays a vital role in preventing erosion in its wetland habitats.

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Distinguishing features:

  • Tough, round, and spine-tipped leaves (culms).

  • Shiny black leaf sheath at the base.

  • Purplish-brown flowers topped by spine-tipped bracts.

  • Grows in large, dense colonies.


Overall appearance: 

A perennial herb that grows in large colonies, forming dense tufts of upright, cylindrical stems.


Height: 

Up to 1.5 m.


Width: 

It grows in large colonies, indicating a wide spread.


Leaves:

  • Tough, round (cylindrical).

  • Spine-tipped.

  • Green to olive-green.

  • Sheath at the base is shiny black.

  • Leaves are functionally the stems (culms).


Flowers:

  • Purplish-brown.

  • Crowded at the tips of the long, thin stems.

  • Topped by spine-tipped bracts.

  • Small and scaly.


Flowering season: 

October to February (spring, early summer, late summer).


Fruits: 

No specific description found, but flowers are followed by seeds.


Seeds:

  • Golden brown.

  • Produced after flowering.


Stems:

  • Long, thin, and cylindrical.

  • Tufted, forming dense clumps.


Thorns: 

Leaves (culms) are spine-tipped.


Soil type: 

Can grow on many soil types, ranging from sandy soils to clays, provided there is enough water. It thrives in brackish/saline soils.


Aspect: 

Full sun. Can tolerate semi-shade.

Edibility: No information found on edibility.

Uses:

  • Craftwork and Weaving: 

  1. Highly valued fibre for weaving traditional sleeping mats (amacansi), baskets, beer strainers, conference bags, and other craft products in many rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal.

  2. Popular due to its strength and ease of bending during construction.

  3. Products are used for household items and for income generation.

  4. Has high status in Zulu wedding gifts (umabo).

  • Ecological: 

  1. Prevents erosion in wetlands.

  2. Helps to bind soil in wet areas.

  • Horticulture: 

  1. Very hardy, fast-growing wetland plant.

  2. Suitable for planting on the edges of ponds, in boggy areas, among wet pebbles, and in grey-water systems.


Ecology:

  • Dominates salt marshes where salinities are low.

  • Often extends into dune slacks bordering salt marshes.

  • Found in estuaries in shallow, fresh parts (due to mouth closure), freshwater seepage zones, and areas with strong seasonal inflow of fresh water.

  • No known insects or small animals are reported to damage Juncus kraussii.

  • Livestock should be kept out of areas where it is being cultivated for harvesting.


Distribution and habitat:

  • Occurs in large colonies in wetlands.

  • Widespread in South Africa across KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape, Western Cape.

  • Also found in Lesotho and Mozambique.

  • Major habitat system is freshwater.

  • Found along rivers and streams, in ponds and dams.


Derivation of name:

  • The genus name Juncus is derived from the Latin word 'jungere', meaning 'to join' or 'to tie', referring to the historical use of rushes for tying and weaving.

  • The species name kraussii honours Christian Ferdinand Friedrich Krauss (1812-1890), a German botanist and naturalist who collected in South Africa.


Historical aspects:

  • Traditional use of this rush for weaving has a long history, particularly among the Zulu people in KwaZulu-Natal.

  • High demand for the plant due to its economic value has led to large-scale harvesting in the wild, which raises concerns about sustainability.


Interesting facts:

  • This unassuming rush is a master weaver's dream! Its strong yet bendy stems are perfect for crafting beautiful traditional sleeping mats, baskets, and even beer strainers.

  • It's a true environmental hero! Juncus kraussii is a champion at preventing soil erosion, especially in its watery wetland homes.

  • If you plant this rush, prepare for it to grow like crazy! It's a fast-growing plant that quickly fills up spaces, making it a natural weed suppressor after about 18 months.


Growing tips:

  • Plant both seedlings and plants into individual holes, known as pit planting.

  • Best planted after the first rains, or in spring if irrigation is available.

  • In large fields, plant seedlings 15 cm apart in lines, with lines also 15 cm apart. It grows rapidly and will quickly fill these spaces.

  • Hand-weeding is essential as there are no known weed killers that won't harm the rush. Weed growth usually subsides after 18 months once plants are established.

  • Keep livestock out of planted areas.

  • Can be harvested in April and May of the year following spring planting, and annually thereafter for at least seven years.

This plant is a fantastic alternative for:

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