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Arundo donax 'Versicolor'
| Family Name: | Poaceae (Gramineae) |
| Synonyms: | Arundo donax var. versicolor |
| Common Name: | Carrizo, Variegated Giant Reed, Spanish Reed |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Grass or Grass-like Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 3 m to 10 m |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Tall perennial grass forms clumps and grows up to 3-10m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Linear leaves are alternately arranged in 1 plane along the stem. Leaves are longitudinally striped green and white in bands of varying width and position. |
| Stems | The horizontal, underground stem known as a rhizome is fleshy, compact and lies slightly below the soil surface. |
| Flowers | Terminal inflorescence is composed of tiny flowers arranged like a plume. |
| Fruit | It generally does not produce fruits. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Riverine, Pond / Lake / River |
| Thematic Landscaping | Marsh Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Waterlogged Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting (Tip, Herbaceous), Division |
| Propagation Method Remarks | Rhizome cuttings |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, White |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Linear) |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Clasping |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
|---|---|
| Flower Location | Terminal |
References
| References | Yong J, Tan PY, Nor Hafiz Hassan, Tan SN. 2010. A Selection of Plants for Greening of Waterways and Waterbodies in the Tropics. Singapore: Chung Printing . 480 pp. |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 396 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1692 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |





