Gynerium sagittatum: Difference between revisions
+short ecology section. --[User:Mnolf, currently not nogged in |
Some edition, more details added |
||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
|}} |
|}} |
||
'''''Gynerium sagittatum''''', known locally by various [[common name]]s, 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 |
'''''Gynerium sagittatum''''', known locally by various [[common name]]s, 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, mainly in [[Latin America]], and has several uses. It belongs to the subfamily [[Arundinoideae]]. |
||
==Common names== |
==Common names== |
||
''Gynerium sagittatum'' is known as "cana-brava", "cana-do-rio" and "cana-frecha" (''with R'') in [[Brazil]], and "caña brava" in [[Peru]] and other spanish speaking countries. The stems range between three and five meters in height. |
|||
*[http://www.biogeographie.com/article.php3?id_article=18 Gynerium sagittatum, Ucayali river basin, Peru (french)] |
*[http://www.biogeographie.com/article.php3?id_article=18 Gynerium sagittatum, Ucayali river basin, Peru (french)] |
||
==Description== |
==Description== |
||
The stems are straight and erect, the |
The stems are straight and erect, the lower part is covered with "vainas" from the fallen leaves, while in the upper 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. |
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. |
||
==Ecology== |
==Ecology== |
||
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. |
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, and is found usually near rivers and lakes, and even beaches. |
||
==Uses== |
==Uses== |
||
*In [[Colombia]] it is used to create different accessories including the traditional [[sombrero vueltiao]], symbol of Colombia. |
* In [[Colombia]] it is used to create different accessories including the traditional [[sombrero vueltiao]], symbol of Colombia. |
||
* In Brazil, the lower part is used in cheap or improvised fences, and in cheap trellises for climbing plants and cultivation of [[tomato]]. The upper part, round and thin, stiff on the outside and soft on the inside, develops a large bloom at the top and is used in decoration. The more homogeneous section of the upper part is used to make [[arrow]]s and birds cages. |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
{{Poaceae-stub}} |
{{Poaceae-stub}} |
||
Revision as of 19:42, 12 April 2012
 | This article needs attention from an expert in Plants. Please add a reason or a talk parameter to this template to explain the issue with the article. (February 2009) |
| Gynerium sagittatum | |
|---|---|
| |
| Gynerium sagittatum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | G. sagittatum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Gynerium sagittatum | |
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, mainly in Latin America, and has several uses. It belongs to the subfamily Arundinoideae.
Common names
Gynerium sagittatum is known as "cana-brava", "cana-do-rio" and "cana-frecha" (with R) in Brazil, and "caña brava" in Peru and other spanish speaking countries. The stems range between three and five meters in height.
Description
The stems are straight and erect, the lower part is covered with "vainas" from the fallen leaves, while in the upper 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.
Ecology
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, and is found usually near rivers and lakes, and even beaches.
Uses
- In Colombia it is used to create different accessories including the traditional sombrero vueltiao, symbol of Colombia.
- In Brazil, the lower part is used in cheap or improvised fences, and in cheap trellises for climbing plants and cultivation of tomato. The upper part, round and thin, stiff on the outside and soft on the inside, develops a large bloom at the top and is used in decoration. The more homogeneous section of the upper part is used to make arrows and birds cages.
 | This Poaceae article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |