Restio is a genus of dioecious perennials characterized by either a rhizome-creeping or tufted growth form, resembling rushes. The leaves are minimal, taking the form of enduring sheaths that wrap around the bases of the flowering stems. This genus is native to Southern Africa and Australia.

Restio

Restio bifarius

Restio brunneus

Restio capenesis

Restio dispar

Restio festuciformis is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial that reaches a height of up to 50 cm. It features slender, linear stems that are light green and shift to a yellowish-green hue when in bloom. In winter and early spring, delicate flowers appear in feathery brown spikelets. For optimal growth, position this plant in a location where the wind can interact with its grassy stems.

Restio festuciformis

Restio levynsiae

Restio multiflorus

Restio ocreatus

Restio pachystachyus

Restio paniculatus is a dense, multi-stemmed perennial that remains green year-round. This rhizomatous plant can reach heights of up to 2 meters and can spread as wide as 5 meters. Its stems are primarily olive green, adorned with occasional purple spots.

Restio paniculatus

Restio quadratus is a perennial plant that grows upright and can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters. Its stems are square in shape and resemble those of bamboo, forming clumps as they mature. At the nodes, the stems produce clusters of feathery branches. During the summer, dark brown flower spikelets appear at the ends of these branches.

Restio quadratus

Restio similis

Restio subverticillatus is a perennial plant characterized by its tufted, reed-like growth habit. It features upright to arching dark green stems that are almost woody, with whorls of slender green leaves or modified branches emerging from each node, creating a cascading appearance. The stems reach heights of up to 2 meters and can form clumps as wide as 1.5 meters. This species is dioecious, meaning that male and female plants are distinct from one another. In spring, the female plants produce clusters of white flowers on delicate stems, which are succeeded by glossy grey-brown nutlets in the autumn. The male flowers display a yellow-green hue that transitions to bronze and finally grey as they mature.