2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Arundo (lat. Arundo) - a herbaceous plant belonging to the Cereals family.
Description
Arundo is a fairly tall herbaceous plant, capable of stretching up to four to five meters up under favorable conditions. Outwardly, arundo is quite similar to reed or reed, therefore it is often confused with these plants. However, in this case, there are also differences - it differs from reeds by the presence of hollow stems, and it is distinguished from reeds only by the shape of flower scales, that is, in the second case, the differences will be much less significant.
The tall geniculate stems of the plant are very graceful and fragile in appearance. The narrow linear leaves of arundo wrap around the stems almost half their own length, and closer to the center, the leaf blades bend slightly, as a result of which part of each leaf slightly droops. At the same time, young leaves always grow upward at a slight angle. In most cases, the color of the leaves will be light green, however, there are also variegated specimens that can boast of the presence of spectacular longitudinal white stripes.
Arundo begins to bloom closer to autumn - the spike-shaped inflorescences located on the tops of the stems gather in luxurious fluffy panicles.
Where grows
Arundo grows mainly in silty soils along the banks of rivers, ditches, swamps and lakes.
Usage
Arundo has proven itself excellently when planting near medium or large bodies of water. In addition, this plant is an excellent building material - in the southern regions it has been used for a long time and quite successfully for the construction of roofs and walls. And now it is no less successfully used as a wind protection assistant in semi-desert or desert arid areas. As for the regions characterized by a temperate climate, arundo is grown there, of course, only for decorative purposes.
Growing and caring
Arundo will grow best in peaty or sandy soils, in areas well-lit by the sun's rays. This plant feels especially good on swampy shores - arundo tolerates temporary flooding quite well. It is best to plant it in large enough containers - this approach will allow you to transfer arundo for the winter to light, but rather fertile soil (peat or sandy). And with the onset of summer, this green pet is again transferred to a sunny and warm place. Ideally, the containers are placed in reservoirs in such a way that they are partially or completely flooded.
Unfortunately, the arundo cannot boast of impressive winter hardiness (although in some cases this plant can withstand frosts up to minus eighteen degrees), therefore, before the first severe frosts, it is very important to have time to transfer it to the cellar, while its tops are recommended to be cut off. In the cellar, it is necessary to constantly keep the soil moist.
In general, arundo is completely undemanding in leaving, the most important thing is to provide him with a sufficient amount of moisture (if there is not enough moisture, the yellowed tips of the leaves will definitely tell you about this) and sunlight. As for watering, adult representatives of arundo are usually watered three to four times a month, and young specimens are watered a little more often - up to eight times a month.
Arundo propagates by dividing the bushes in the spring. By the way, this amazing plant can easily grow in the same area for up to sixty years! And it is practically not susceptible to damage by various ailments or pests! However, it is important to take into account that arundo tends to grow rather quickly, and in some cases it may be necessary to timely limit its further spread.
