Elegia elephantina, previously known as Chondropetalum elephantinum, and commonly known as Large Cape Rush, is a South African indigenous tufted perennial plant. It forms dense tufted clumps from which arise 1 meter tall dark green unbranched stems. The dark brown sheaths at the joints drop off in summer leaving a dark band at each node. Late in the season the stems arch gracefully from the weight of clusters of small brown flowers at the tips. Male and female plants have remarkably similar flowers but the female flowers are held tighter and are clustered toward the tip of the stems. Plant it in full to part sun. It is drought tolerant, but appreciates supplemental water in spring. It is cold hardy to about -4°C and tolerates a wide soil pH range. In its natural habitat Elegia elephantina grows close to the coast from Clanwilliam to Grahamstown, often preferring marshy habitats. It can be successfully planted in seaside gardens, containers and used in xeriscaping or used as a plant in the shallows of a water garden.