Schoenoplectus californicus tatora - (C.A.Mey.)
(C.A.Mey.)
Totora
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Schoenoplectus californicus tatora is an evergreen Perennial growing to 2 m (6ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.
Edible Uses
Rhizomes - cooked. Baked, or dried for later use. Stems - cooked. The lower 30cm of the stem is peeled and baked, or dried for later use.
Distribution
S. America - Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador; C. America - Honduras, El Salvador to Mexico and southern N. America
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
Growing in moist and wet terrestrial habitat, and in shallow water. The root system is well-developed. Prefers waterlogged soils in full sun or part shade. Often grows at a water depth of 2.5–3m (8.2–9.8ft) but occurs less frequently as deep as 5.5m (18ft). Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: regional crop. Management: hay (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation).
Propagation
Seed, Division
Other Uses
This subspecies totora, Schoenoplectus californicus subsp, is famous for making up the floating islands of Lake Titicaca dwell. On the mid-coast of Peru, totora has been used for over 3,000 years to build caballitos de totora - small rowed and straddled fishing vessels. The tough, soft culms are used for making mats, baskets, chair seats, houses, boats, and other objects. Carbon Farming Solutions - Industrial Crop: biomass (Crops grown for non-food uses. Industrial crops provide resources in three main categories: materials, chemicals, and energy. Traditional materials include lumber and thatch, paper and cardboard, and textiles).
Synonyms
Also Known As
California bulrush, Southern bulrush, Giant bulrush, Tule, Giant bulrush sedge, Totora
