As mentioned before, this plant is adapted to muddy and wet conditions. The strong fibrous roots that arise from the rhizomes help to anchor the plant so that it can withstand strong winds without being swept away in the water. Owing to variation in water content of marsh habitats, the rhizome structure may show both hydric (water) and xeric (dry) adaptations. In Typha the prominence of mechanical and conductive tissue indicates the plant's mesophytic (plants capable of coping with both extremes of water and drought) ability due to the presence of abundant storage parenchyma, aerenchyma, and hydrophytic tissue. The thickened endodermic layer affords a means of protection against moisture loss during drought. Since both the mechanical and conductive tissues are well developed, the plant is able to grow erect without being supported by the water. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of stems of amphibious plants like the bulrush is that they have large internal air chambers crossed by diaphragms that are pervious to air. These are particularly important to provide aeration to the submerged parts. The leaves of amphibious plants show the greatest variation in both form and structure when the plant is subjected alternately to the air and water environment.

Typha capensis is an important plant for many species of birds that are closely associated with water. The dense stems provide ideal shelter and nesting opportunities for birds such as the Moorhen ( Gallinula chloropus ), African Black Duck ( Anus sparsa ), the Red Bishop ( Euplectes orix ), Yellowrumped Widow ( Euplectus capensis ), and the Common Waxbill. The submerged stems of bulrushes provide ideal nurseries for hatchlings of several freshwater fish species not to mention frogs, toads, terrapins and other aquatic organisms.