Beak Reed

Beak Reed - Sebastian Romu © 2018

Description

Common Names

Beak Reed

Classification

Herbaceous, Reed

Description

This tall water reed is named for the appearance of its twined leaves branching from the main stem. They form a structure resembling an open beak. The long stalks are used as a weaving material for a variety of goods, and are an excellent source of cordage fibres. Beak Reed is a useful febrifuge and anti-emetic. The medicinal uses of this plant derive from the inner pulp of the root bulb near the base of the stalk.

Ecology

Rarity

Common

Distribution

Beak Reed is found throughout bogs, marshes, and coastal estuaries of Annexea at all latitudes. It is salt tolerant, and thrives in a variety of fresh and stagnant waters.

Life Cycle

Beak Reed produces loose sprays of soft brown flowers at the top of the plant during mid-to-late summer. These produce two or three centimetre long pods which burst after drying to produce large tufts of feathery seeds for wind dispersal.

Uses

Cultivation

Beak reed is common enough that wild sources preclude the need for purposeful cultivation.

Culinary

There are no culinary uses for beak reed.

Medicinal

• Febrifuge - The roots if crushed and used as a bath can be useful as a fever reducer.
• Antiemetic - The roots if ground can be used as a antiemetic.

Other

• Weaving - The stalks can be flattened and used a weaving material for mats, baskets, and other articles.
• Cordage - The stalks and leaves are adequate source of fibre for cordage.