Cape thatching reed, or Cape Rush, is a tufted perennial growing to 125 cm. Best planted in full sun, in a well-drained soil with plenty of air movement. They grow well in irrigated areas, but are adapted to a long dry season, so it is not essential. The plants are probably best planted in early Spring as they need a good watering for the first few months to get the roots established, but thereafter they should survive here with normal rainfall - providing there is some, if not several deep waterings a few weeks apart will help get their roots down.

Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants, the female flowers are protected by brown bracts on the upright leaves. The glossy, bright-green reed stems make a very attractive background for other smaller flowering plants.

Elegia tectorum makes a beautiful cut flower and it is often used in flower arrangements. Traditionally, it was used as a thatching material, as its name suggests (Lat.: tectum = roof).