Gynerium sagittatum

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, 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.

• Gynerium sagittatum, Ucayali river basin, Peru (french)

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.