Phragmites australis; The Common Reed is a very tall introduced species. It can grow up to 2 to 3meter tall. Under normal conditions, it is usually taller than a humans, when fully grown.
- This perennial plant spreads through thick rootstocks as well as runners above ground. The leaves are rough, greyish green and 1-4cm wide. Quite characteristic is that the leaves (very) often have notch or a indent on the surface. The ligules are quite characteristic: they consists of hairs rather than a membranous structure.
- The inflorescences are composed of large plumes. These are purple-colored. The spikelets are 2 - 6 flowered. The base-floret has always just one male flower, the florets above have both male and female flowers.
- It grows in or along mesotrophic and eutrophic waters. On dryer grounds it grows marginally and remains vegetatively. As said it introduced on Iceland. It is a relative new species on Iceland.
- The Common Reed (Phragmites australis) is a member of the grass family (Poaceae, formerly known as Graminea). The Icelandic name of this species is Þakreyr.
FLORA OF ICELAND elements: Phragmites australis, Common Reed, Þakreyr
Probably restricted to urban ponds.
A brief introduction to Iceland plants
Text & Photographs by Dick Vuijk
- unless stated otherwise
Text & Photographs by Dick Vuijk
- unless stated otherwise
Other grass family members (true sedges)
Other grass family members (true sedges)