Typha capensis, commonly known as the Southern Cattail, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to wetlands and marshy areas in southern and eastern Africa, extending up to Uganda. It is also reported in Brazil. This aquatic plant typically features dense clusters of brown, cylindrical flower spikes and long, narrow leaves that can reach heights of up to 2.5 meters. The flowering season occurs in summer, and while the flowers are not particularly showy, they are distinctive and easily recognizable. Typha capensis has rhizomes that are used medicinally in southern Africa, reputed to improve circulation and enhance male libido and performance.

Southern Cattail is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and provide habitat for wildlife. It is often used in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment due to its high tolerance for pollutants and its efficiency in nutrient uptake. In cultivation, it requires standing water or saturated soil and full sun to part shade. While it can be an attractive feature in water gardens, caution is advised due to its potential invasiveness outside its native range. It can spread aggressively through its rhizomes and displace native vegetation, so it should be managed carefully to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0