Juncus kraussii

What to Eat

Edible parts: Stems, Root

Juncus kraussii is harvested and weaved to produce traditional sleeping mats, baskets, beer strainers, and other craftwork items in many Zulu areas of South Africa. The plant is in great demand because of its economic value and has been extensively harvested in the wild. It is now cultivated in many areas and is harvested yearly for a period of seven years in total. The stems and leaves of Juncus kraussii were used by Indigenous Australians for fibre, for string, fishing lines, woven rugs and woven baskets. It is commonly used today for stabilisation of the banks of estuaries, around salt marshes and riparian zones next to sites developed for human use. It is also used in biofiltration systems and rain gardens.

Where to Find It

It is a subtropical plant.

Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa,

How to Identify

A rush.

Juncus kraussii commonly known as salt marsh rush, sea rush, jointed rush, matting rush or dune slack rush, is of the monocot family Juncaceae and genus Juncus. It grows in salt marshes, estuarine and coastal areas. This species is ideal as a stabiliser in estuary banks and riparian zones that adjoin developed areas; it prevents erosion and also provides an excellent fibre for weaving. The plant is named after a German naturalist and museum curator, Christian Krauss, who travelled to South Africa.

More from Juncaceae

Juncus acutus

Sharp rush

Juncus balticus

Baltic Rush

Juncus effusus

Soft Rush, Common rush, Lamp rush, Pacific rush

Juncus maritimus

Juncus microcephalus

Juncus procerus