| Gynerium sagittatum | |
|---|---|
| Gynerium sagittatum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Gynerium |
| Species: | G. sagittatum |
| Binomial name | |
| Gynerium sagittatum Aubl. |
|
Gynerium sagittatum, known locally by various common names, is a tall grass that grows up to five meters long. It is a very vigorous species that grows into a considerably dense mass of vegetation. It is harvested as a semi-crop in some localities to be distributed commercially, mainly in Latin America. It belongs to the subfamily Arundinoideae.
Contents |
It is known as "Cana-do-rio" in Brazil and "caña brava" in Peru and called "bitter cane" in Venezuela. The stems range between three and ten meters in height.
The stems are straight and erect, the inferior part is covered with “vainas” from the fallen leaves, while in the superior part the leaves are arranged in fan shaped groups.
There are many varieties in the plant's stems. The bark zone, which is the main factor in the unusual height, functions as a water distribution system, transporting water from the underground roots to the superior part of the plant including the leaves. This vital function occurs throughout each season of the year.
Being one of the first plants to colonise open areas, 'Gynerium sagittatum' is an important pioneer species that reaches new sites via wind-distributed seeds. Once estalished, it spreads vegetatively.