In 2011 toetoe was reclassified to the Austroderia genus but I’m used to it being called Cortaderia. Austroderia richardii is the main South Island form. These are large clump grasses with iconic flower heads like pennants atop a long stiff stalk. They are very showy at this time of year (summer) especially in the late afternoon sunshine. They are native to New Zealand and should not to be confused with pampas grass from South America which is an invasive weed here. Toetoe is much more refined.
Photos taken 15 January 2019, Waikoikoi (between Gore and Tapanui)
Nigel
Liz
Nigel
Nigel
Nigel
Last two photos taken by Liz
Text by Liz, photos by Nigel and Liz; Exploring Colour (2019)
Exploring Colour 
Has any cut both the toetoe and pampas stalk? Can you tell the difference if the stalks when cut look both the same?
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I don’t know but here’s a good article about pampas vs toetoe from May this year I’ve just found: https://blog.doc.govt.nz/2022/05/10/pesky-pampas-not-native-toetoe/
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Thankyou Liz for your speedy response 🙂
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It does remind me of pampas grass, Liz, that’s the first thought I had when I saw your photo. But I am glad that this is a native, and one with such a cute name. 🙂
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Pampas grass down here form massive great clumps; our native one is more compact. The native flowerheads have a lovely soft drooping form; pampas grass flowerheads are very upright and coarse in comparison. Pity anyone ever bought pampas here!
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People tend to bring their plants from their old to their new homes.
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A lot of that went on, yes.
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Same here in Colorado!
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And such a refined name! Toetoe—love it— those plumes are quite elegant looking.
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They are elegant Ellen.. gosh, that’s got a certain ring to it 🙂
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🙂
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Wow! What a beautiful street!
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That’s the country road between Gore and Tapanui. Its a really lovely drive through farmland. The toetoe have been looking wonderful in recent weeks, especially when lit by the sun in late afternoon and early evening.
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beautiful pictures where the grass moves like waves
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Thank you Anita.. it was very windy that day actually, it took time for us to get our pictures!
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