Tall and stout grass

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Junglekeeper, Aug 22, 2017.

  1. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    Stem is sturdy like bamboo. What is it?
    20170822_150804.jpg 20170822_150922.jpg 20170822_151324.jpg
     
  2. thanrose

    thanrose Active Member 10 Years

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    I'm always confused between Arundo donax and Phragmites australis, because I think one of them is relatively common locally and I have used the slender canes as stakes. I'm thinking mine is actually Arundo or related, as Phragmites is supposed to be more compact and denser than what I've seen. The closeness of the leaves and fullness of your specimens makes me think that they are more likely Phragmites spp. I'm sure if I studied the inflorescence a bit more it would be clearer to me. Might your specimen fit either of these or related?
     
  3. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Arundo donax.

    Phragmites has much slenderer stems (~5 mm diameter) and leaves.


    @ thanrose - if the stems of yours are strong enough to use as stakes, you have Arundo too. Phragmites would be useless for stakes.
     
  4. wcutler

    wcutler Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout 10 Years

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    I'd never heard of Arundo donax; now I've just learned that it's the plant from which clarinet reeds (and other musical reeds) are made. Clarinet - Wikipedia
     
  5. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    Thanks for all the responses. It does appear to be Arundo donax.
     

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