Spikerush: A Pacific Island Native for Specialized Gardens
Meet Eleocharis ochrostachys, a unique member of the spikerush family that calls the remote Pacific islands home. Known locally as kerdikes in Palau, this grass-like plant represents one of nature’s more specialized creations – perfectly adapted to its island environment but quite particular about where it chooses to grow.
Where You’ll Find This Pacific Native
This particular spikerush is native to the Pacific Basin, specifically found growing naturally in Guam and Palau. Unlike its more widespread cousins, Eleocharis ochrostachys has chosen to make these tropical islands its exclusive home, excluding Hawaii from its natural range.
What Makes This Plant Special
As a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae), this spikerush displays the characteristic grass-like appearance that makes sedges so valuable in natural landscapes. These graminoid plants – that’s gardener-speak for grass-like – often serve as the backbone of wetland ecosystems and can add wonderful texture to garden designs.
Should You Grow Spikerush in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit challenging). This Pacific island endemic is quite specialized, and unfortunately, detailed growing information for home gardeners is extremely limited. If you’re gardening outside of Guam or Palau, you might want to consider these alternatives:
- Look for native spikerush species in your region
- Consider other native sedges that provide similar texture and ecological benefits
- Consult with local native plant societies for region-appropriate alternatives
For Pacific Island Gardeners
If you’re lucky enough to be gardening in Guam or Palau, this native spikerush could be a wonderful addition to naturalized areas. Like most sedges, it likely prefers moist conditions and could work beautifully in:
- Native plant restoration projects
- Rain gardens or bioswales
- Pond or water feature margins
- Naturalized landscape areas
The Bottom Line
While Eleocharis ochrostachys is undoubtedly a fascinating native plant, its highly specialized nature and limited range make it challenging for most gardeners to source and grow successfully. If you’re passionate about growing this particular species, connect with botanical gardens or native plant organizations in Guam or Palau for guidance on responsible sourcing and cultivation.
For the rest of us, this unique spikerush serves as a wonderful reminder of the incredible diversity found in native plant communities – and inspiration to seek out the equally fascinating native sedges and grasses in our own regions.
