
Back
Phragmites karka 'Variegatus'
| Family Name: | Poaceae (Gramineae) |
| Common Name: | Variegated Tropical Reed, Variegated Reed Grass, 卡开芦 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Grass or Grass-like Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 1.8 m to 2.4 m |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Riverine, Phytoremediation (Ground / Water Contaminant(s)), Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Water Garden, Bioswales / Sunken Garden, Naturalistic Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | Roots can penetrate pond liner. |
| Plant & Rootzone Preference or Tolerance Remarks | pH 4.5 - 7.5 |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Abiotic (Wind) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Waterlogged Soils (Drains Site), Acidic (low pH) Soils, Alkaline high pH Soils |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Silver / Grey, Yellow / Golden |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Linear) |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Acaulescent |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Brown, Pink, Purple, Red |
|---|---|
| Inflorescence Type | Panicle |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Silver / Grey |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Indehiscent Dry Fruit , Caryopsis / Grain |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29164 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3473 |
| 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. |















