What is the English name for phragmites karka?
Phragmites karka, the tall reed or common reed, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family. Common names: common reed grass, ditch reed, giant reed. Scientific names: Arundo phragmites; A.Phragmites karka – Tall Reed. Tall Reed is a perennial reed, with creeping rhizomes. Stems are erect, up to 10 m tall.
What are some interesting facts about Phragmites?
Phragmites is a member of the grass family and spreads through underground rhizomes (roots) that can extend down as much as three feet and out more than 30 feet. This enables non-native Phragmites to spread more quickly than the native vegetation and form a complete monoculture. Invasive and native Phragmites alike prefer to grow in damp or wet (aquatic) sites such as wetlands, and along the shores of lakes and streams. Native Phragmites will coexist well with other wetland plants, but invasive Phragmites often forms dense monocultures that leave no space for native plants.
What are the benefits of Phragmites?
The aggressive, fast growth of Phragmites makes it useful for holding soil and protecting eroding shorelines. Phragmites produces a large amount of biomass not just above ground but in its extensive root system as well (as much as 80% of total biomass is below ground). To date, field experience and research have shown that using herbicides is the most effective method and is recommended as the first step toward effective control of phragmites. Glyphosate and imazapyr are two herbicides known to be effective in controlling phragmites.