Arundo donax

Arundo donax (= Arundo donax var. versicolor), commonly known as Giant Reed, is a grass.

Contents 1 Naming 2 Taxonomy 3 Characteristics 3.1 Growth 3.2 Wood and Bark 3.3 Leaves 3.4 Flowers and Fruit 3.5 Root System 4 Distribution 5 Cultivation 6 Uses 7 Maintenance 8 Varities and Cultivars 9 Poisonousness 10 Pests and Diseases 11 Man and Arundo donax 11.1 History 11.2 Arundo donax in art 11.3 Symbolism 11.4 Superstition 12 See also 13 References 13.1 Literature 13.2 Footnotes 14 Non-commercial Links

[edit] Naming

Arundo donax was described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. The name is considered as validly published.

[edit] Taxonomy

The Giant Reed is a species in the genus Arundo (giant reed) which contains 3 species and belongs to the family of the Poaceae (Grass Family).

[edit] Characteristics

[edit] Growth

The plants grow to a height of approximately 3 meters.They grow at a rapid rate and have a moderate lifespan.

[edit] Wood and Bark

[edit] Leaves

Arundo donax is an evergreen plant with simple leaves. The leaves are arranged opposite one another. They are mid green and lanceolate with entire margins.

[edit] Flowers and Fruit

The flowers are purple. The plants bloom from May to June. The flowers are arranged in panicles.

[edit] Root System

[edit] Distribution

Arundo donax is of garden origin and is naturalized in the Iberian Peninsula, France, the Apennine Peninsula, the Balkan Peninsula, Arkansas, Texas, California, the Southwest of the US and tropical America.

[edit] Cultivation

The Giant Reed prefers a sunny site and can withstand temperatures down to -17,7º C. It grows best in loamy soil, sandy or pebbly, loamy soil, clay soil, sandy or loamy clay soil that is moist. The plants are only slightly drought tolerant. They will do moderately well in anaerobic soils and are only slightly tolerant of limy conditions.

[edit] Uses

Arundo donax is used medicinally.

[edit] Maintenance

[edit] Varities and Cultivars

[edit] Poisonousness

 Please read the health issues note! 

[edit] Pests and Diseases

[edit] Man and Arundo donax

[edit] History

[edit] Arundo donax in art

[edit] Symbolism

[edit] Superstition

[edit] See also

[edit] References

[edit] Literature

• Walter Erhardt, Erich Götz, Nils Bödeker, Siegmund Seybold: Der große Zander. Eugen Ulmer KG, Stuttgart 2008, ISBN 978-3-8001-5406-7. (Ger.)
• Christoper Brickell (Editor-in-chief): RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Third edition. Dorling Kindersley, London 2003, ISBN 0-7513-3738-2.
• efloras.org

[edit] Footnotes

[edit] Non-commercial Links

More pictures of Arundo donax in the

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• United States Department of Agriculturees:Arundo donaxfr:Arundo donax