| Revision as of 16:07, 26 July 2019 editRupert loup (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users18,016 edits Link← Previous edit | Revision as of 16:08, 26 July 2019 edit undoRupert loup (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users18,016 edits →VarietiesNext edit → | ||
| Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
| They are all members of the ] ] (in the modern, expanded circumscription), and include: | They are all members of the ] ] (in the modern, expanded circumscription), and include: | ||
| ===In the grass family, ]=== | |||
| * Common reed ('']''), the original species named reed | * Common reed ('']''), the original species named reed | ||
| * Giant reed ('']''), used for making ] for musical instruments | * Giant reed ('']''), used for making ] for musical instruments | ||
| Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
| * Small-reed ('']'' species) | * Small-reed ('']'' species) | ||
| ===In the sedge family, ]=== | |||
| * Paper reed or papyrus ('']''), the source of the Ancient Egyptian writing material, also used for making boats | * Paper reed or papyrus ('']''), the source of the Ancient Egyptian writing material, also used for making boats | ||
| ===In the family ]=== | |||
| * Bur-reed ('']'' species) | * Bur-reed ('']'' species) | ||
| * Reed-mace ('']'' species), also called bulrush or cattail | * Reed-mace ('']'' species), also called bulrush or cattail | ||
| ===In the family ]=== | |||
| * Cape thatching reed ('']''), a restio originating from the South-western Cape, South Africa. | * Cape thatching reed ('']''), a restio originating from the South-western Cape, South Africa. | ||
| * Thatching reed ('']''), another restio species originating from the same geographic region. | * Thatching reed ('']''), another restio species originating from the same geographic region. | ||
Revision as of 16:08, 26 July 2019
Reed is a common name for several tall, grass-like plants of wetlands.
Varieties
They are all members of the order Poales (in the modern, expanded circumscription), and include:
In the grass family, Poaceae
- Common reed (Phragmites australis), the original species named reed
- Giant reed (Arundo donax), used for making reeds for musical instruments
- Burma reed (Neyraudia reynaudiana)
- Reed canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
- Reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima)
- Small-reed (Calamagrostis species)
In the sedge family, Cyperaceae
- Paper reed or papyrus (Cyperus papyrus), the source of the Ancient Egyptian writing material, also used for making boats
In the family Typhaceae
- Bur-reed (Sparganium species)
- Reed-mace (Typha species), also called bulrush or cattail
In the family Restionaceae
- Cape thatching reed (Elegia tectorum), a restio originating from the South-western Cape, South Africa.
- Thatching reed (Thamnochortus insignis), another restio species originating from the same geographic region.
Use in construction
Many cultures have used reeds in construction of buildings of various types.
Use in thatching
Main article: Thatching
Phragmites australis, the common reed, is used in many areas for thatching roofs. In the United Kingdom, common reed used for this purpose is known as "Norfolk reed" or "water reed". However, "wheat reed" and "Devon reed" are not in fact reed at all, but long-stemmed wheat straw.
Other uses
Bamboo and, even more commonly, rattan stems are used as "reed sticks" to wick and disperse the scent of essential oils in aroma diffusers. (See Rattan § Food source and medicinal potential.)
See also
External links
Index of plants with the same common nameThis page is an index of articles on plant species (or higher taxonomic groups) with the same common name (vernacular name). If an internal link led you here, you may wish to edit the linking article so that it links directly to the intended article. Categories: