No images found for this plant ID: 11968.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "11968" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
canereed
Scientific Name: Costus speciosus
Family: Costaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cane Reed
The term "cane reed" can refer to several different plants and materials. This page provides information compiled from various sources to offer a comprehensive overview.
Considerations for Pets
- Some cane reeds, like Arundinaria gigantea, can form dense growths.
Considerations for Children
- Cane reed has been traditionally used in construction and for making furniture.
Common Names
- Cane Reed
- Giant Cane
Scientific Names and Taxonomy
-
The term "cane reed" is associated with multiple species:
- Arundinaria gigantea (Giant Cane): Family Poaceae (or Gramineae – Grass family)
- Costus speciosus: Family Costaceae. Common names include Crepe Ginger, Crape Ginger, and Malay Ginger.
- Arundinaria macrosperma: Family Gramineae (Grass family)
- Arundo donax (Giant Cane): Family not explicitly mentioned in provided text, but generally known to be Poaceae.
-
Synonyms:
- For Arundinaria gigantea: Arundinaria macrosperma, Arundinaria tecta, Arundo gigantea, Bambusa newmanii
Distribution and Habitat
- Arundinaria gigantea (Giant Cane) is native to the southern United States, where it grows in thickets.
- Arundo donax (Giant Cane) grows in damp soils, both fresh and moderately saline.
- Costus speciosus is also found in Hawaii.
Morphological Characteristics
- Arundinaria gigantea is a tall grass.
- Arundo donax is a tall perennial cane.
- Cane reeds are composed of lengths of cane reeds approximately 16mm in thickness.
- Some cane reeds have hollow, woody stems.
- Costus speciosus is a forb/herb.
Ecological Role
- Arundinaria gigantea can form dense growths called canebrakes.
Traditional and Modern Uses
- Cane reed is used as a natural material in various applications.
- Lengths of cane reed are bound together with stainless steel wire.
- Mature canes are used for construction and furniture making.
- It is used in basketry and seat weaving projects.
- Cane reed is used to clad fences, create feature panels, or provide shade.
- The rhizome of *Costus speciosus* is used in Chinese medicine, called Canereed spiralflag rhizome.
Quirky Facts
- Cane reed is used in the making of reeds for musical instruments, such as oboes, saxophones, and bagpipes.
Allergenic Potential
- Contact dermatitis has been reported in saxophonists due to allergy to cane reed.
Resources
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Arundinaria macrosperma and Arundinaria gigantea.
- USDA PLANTS database contains information on Costus speciosus (Symbol: COSP8).
- Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens.
- Wikimedia Commons hosts images, such as those of Costus speciosus.