Chondropetalum tectorum	Thamnocortus spicigerus

• The thatching reeds used in the Cape are Restios or Cape Reeds. They form clumps of straight, leafless green and brown stems, which end in brown flower heads.
• About 330 different restio species are found in the Cape. They range from short, grassy restios to tall reeds about three metres high.
• Restios have separate male and female plants. The male and female flower heads look different.

• For thousands of years, people living in the Cape have used restios to make shelters. The Khoe built reed shelters like A-frame houses without walls. The Trekboere copied the design and called these shelters “kapstylhuise”.
• Today restios are mainly used to thatch roofs. In Afrikaans, Restios are called Dekriet or Dakriet . The long, straight stems without leaves or branches are perfect for thatching. The reeds are tougher than grass and contain chemicals that stop insects and other animals eating the reeds. They have a waxy covering that helps to make the roof waterproof. Roofs made from restios can last up to 50 years before they need to be re-thatched.

• The Dutch settlers first used restios that grew in Cape Town. These restios are now hard to find.
• Today most roofs are thatched with a large restio from the Albertinia and Bredasdorp districts . People manage the veld to ensure that there is an ongoing supply of thatching reed.
• The thatching industry is keeping traditional skills of thatching alive in the Western Cape.
• Restios are also used to make brooms.
• Restios have become popular garden plants. They are water-wise plants for the Western Cape and are very attractive when planted in the garden or in containers.