Cladium mariscus
(L.) Pohl.
Jamaica Swamp Sawgrass
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCladium mariscus is a species of flowering plant in the sedge family known by the common names swamp sawgrass, great fen-sedge, saw-sedge or sawtooth sedge. Previously it was known as elk sedge. It is native of temperate Europe and Asia where it grows in base-rich boggy areas and lakesides. It can be up to 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) tall, and has leaves with hard serrated edges. In the past, it was an important material to build thatched roofs; harvesting it was an arduous task due to its sharp edges that can cause deep lacerations.
Description
A sedge. These grow in clumps and have grass like leaves and solid stalks. It grows about 1 m tall. It is a herb. It has an underground stem or rhizome and leaves arranged in a spiral.
Edible Uses
The young shoots may be edible.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It grows in temperate and tropical regions worldwide. It grows on the edges of lakes, swamps and pools.
Where It Grows
Africa, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Arabia, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belarus, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Britain, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Canary Is., Caucasus, Central America, Central Asia, Chad, China, Colombia, Congo DR, Costa Rica, Crete, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Egypt, Europe*, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Himalayas, Honduras, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North America, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Senegal, Sicily, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tasmania, Tibet, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, USA, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Yugoslavia,
Propagation
Sow seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe, in a pot standing in 2cm of water. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant out during summer. The plant can also be propagated by division in spring.
Other Uses
The stems are used for thatching, and the roots have been used to make small baskets.
Notes
There are 3 Cladium species.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Great Fen-sedge, Sedge, Swamp Saw-grass, Swamp Sawgrass
References (9)
- Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 130
- Cowie, I, 2006, A Survey of Flora and vegetation of the proposed Jaco-Tutuala-Lore National Park. Timor-Lests (East Timor) www.territorystories.nt/gov.au p 46
- Dashorst, G.R.M., and Jessop, J.P., 1998, Plants of the Adelaide Plains & Hills. Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and State Herbarium. p 194
- Ekman Herbarium records Haiti
- Kew Plants of the World Online
Show all 9 references Hide references
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Simpson, D. A. & Inglis, C. A., 2001, Cyperaceae of Economic, Ethnobotanical and Horticultural Importance: A checklist. Kew Bulletin Vol. 56, No. 2 (2001), pp. 257-360
- Tent. fl. bohem. 1:32. 1809
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
