The reed (Phragmites australis) is a perennial rhizomatous grass of a geophytic nature that belongs to the Poaceae family. Known as borda cane, cane, fine cane, cane, reed or reed, it is a species that develops in tropical and temperate environments around the planet..
It is a herbaceous plant with aquatic habits that grows in wetlands on the banks of streams or ponds. It is characterized by its robust root system consisting of a long, branched, woody rhizome, as well as flexible stems 2-6 m high..
It is considered an invasive plant, which grows densely on flooded lands or swamps, on the banks of ponds, lagoons and ditches, even in cultivated fields. In many regions it is the main cause of the problems presented by the obstruction of dams, drainage channels and irrigation systems..
However, its cultivation and controlled propagation allows its management at an ornamental and environmental level. It is used as an ornamental plant in ponds and artificial lagoons, it is also used to recover and restore wetlands and stabilize natural ecosystems.
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Rapidly growing rhizomatous herb, it easily covers large areas on swampy and flooded land on the banks of streams, canals, lagoons or ponds. The simple stem with numerous internodes and unbranched is hollow, flexible, robust and green in color, measuring 2-6 m high by 2 cm in diameter..
The lanceolate, elongated and narrow leaves, 50 cm long by 5 cm wide, are arranged alternately on each side of the stem. Its smooth, sheathing blades have a sharp apex, hairy ligule, rough margins and a grayish-green or bluish color. During the summer they are green and during the winter reddish brown..
The small laterally compressed flowers are grouped into terminal panicles or spikes of branchy appearance, 40-50 cm long and yellowish or brownish-purplish. Each spike is divided into numerous branches, each with 12 or more flowers, exhibiting a feathery appearance. Flowering occurs in late summer or early fall.
The simple fruit is a caryopsis or dry and indehiscent grain similar to an achene, typical of grasses.
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Liliopsida
- Order: Poales
- Family: Poaceae
- Subfamily: Arundinoideae
- Tribe: Arundineae
- Gender: Phragmites
- Species: Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud., 1841
- Phragmites australis subsp. altissimus
- P. australis subsp. americanus
- P. australis subsp. australis
- Phragmites: the name of the genus comes from the Greek "phragma" which means "near or fence" due to the way it develops along rivers.
- australis: the specific adjective in Latin means "from the south".
The natural habitat of the species Phragmites australis It is located on humid and flooded lands such as emergent and persistent wetlands with slow circulation of water. It develops on the margin of lagoons, ponds or drainage channels, also on the edge of streams, ravines or streams, both fresh and brackish water.
It grows in humid Mediterranean environments at an altitudinal range from sea level to 1,200-1,650 meters above sea level. It is considered an invasive species of humid areas and crop weeds, since migratory birds that inhabit aquatic ecosystems help spread its seeds..
It is a plant that requires waterlogged soils to a depth of 50 cm on average, and it easily tolerates high levels of salinity. Likewise, it grows in warm environments and is considered an indicator plant for soils with high nutritional content since it grows on fertile soils..
The reed is a cosmopolitan grass, widely distributed in temperate and tropical climates around the five continents. It is located from Canada, the United States, Central America, South America and the Antilles, to Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Polynesian islands.
The reed has multiple uses and properties, ranging from ornamental, environmental and construction, to food and medicinal.
The rhizome contains various secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, resins and mineral salts, which provide it with various therapeutic and medicinal uses. The decoction of the rhizomes has diuretic and sudorific action, being used to alleviate the symptoms of flu, cold, fever and bronchitis.
On the other hand, the rhizome has adherent substances that used topically allow to eliminate impurities from cuts or wounds on the skin. In addition, it has an anti-inflammatory effect, which is why it is used as a home remedy to reduce inflammation of edema and swelling..
The young leaves marinated in vinegar are used to relieve inflammation and as an antidote to heal poisonings caused by mycotoxins or to cure ergotism. Likewise, the cooking of leaves and tender shoots is used to control nausea and vomiting, in the same way for the treatment of arthritis and urinary disorders.
The young shoots are used for food purposes as a salad dressing. From its seeds a flour is obtained that is used as a complement for the preparation of soups, atoles and drinks.
One of the main applications of this plant is related to the textile quality of its fibers. It is widely used to make mattresses, mats and baskets, in the same way it is used as a covering for the roof of huts or sheds.
Buds are used in the garment industry to dye fabrics green or yellow. As an ornamental plant it is widely used for its attractive foliage and flowering, being ideal for decorating ponds and artificial lagoons.
On the other hand, it is a plant of easy propagation and adapted to various conditions that is used to restore various degraded environments. In fact, its robust root system makes it possible to stabilize flooded land with a high risk of erosion, while being a refuge for wildlife..
The reed is commercially propagated through seeds, stolons or rhizomes. In a natural way, its multiplication is carried out through vegetative growth and regeneration of the root system, the continuous rooting allows to obtain new populations quickly.
The main time to establish your crop is during the spring, since low temperatures and occasional frosts can delay its growth process. It is a plant that develops in full sun exposure or half shade, it also supports up to -5 ºC, but only occasionally.
- Because it is a plant that grows outdoors, on the banks of water currents, it requires full solar radiation. However, it can be developed in partial shade, as long as it has a wide range of luminosity during the day.
- It grows on humid or flooded soils, with a high accumulation of organic matter, preferably clayey and heavy. Drainage must be slow in order to keep the medium continuously moist.
- As for irrigation, when environmental conditions require it, it should be done frequently. It should be watered every day, even in the surroundings to prevent the surrounding substrate from drying out.
- It is a plant that does not require fertilization or fertilization, unless the land where you want to plant is too poor or washed.
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