A Book of Reed (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel, formerly Phragmites communis Trin.)

About this book

A 2021 reprint of this 2010 book.

Common reed (Phragmites australis, formerly P. communis) is a tall grass attaining a height of 8 metres or more, with a large inflorescence. It is the principal, dominant species in European reedswamps and marshes, where the species may live for thousands of years. Phragmites grows in a variety of environmental conditions. It occurs from bog to marsh, to lake edges; from damp ground to depths of up to four metres in brackish and freshwater; from sea level to mountain. It may be tall and dominant; sparse and flaccid in wet woods; in bands along streams; as solitary shoots in fens; as short (10 cm) scratchy shoots, in dry salty trampled places; or as runners along the ground. Quite a variety!

The study of Phragmites has been patchy and serious and long-term research on the plant is still needed. The author is one of the people who, during a long career, has undertaken any such investigations.

In this book the life history of the plant; its pattern and growth; genetic and clonal variations are all discussed; along with the plants physical and economic impact on its environment.

Customer Reviews

Biography

Dr Sylvia Haslam is a botanist and river culture, etc., specialist, and the early historical, geological information in this series of books is taken from her previous publications.

Tina Bone worked as a self-employed Desktop Publisher for many years until she changed her career to work as a Professional Artist in March 2005. Tina has edited the Book of Reed reprint, typeset it and published it. Tina is also producing all the artwork for the River Friend Series, line art, colour artwork and photographs, co-authoring and preparing each book for publication.