Alien Invasives

07 October 2016

Other names

Bamboo Reed, Spanish Reed (English)
Spaanse Riet (Afrikaans)

Invasive status

NEMBA Category 1b
CARA 2002 Category 1

Description

Giant Reed is tall aquatic reed growing 2 to 6 metres tall and vigorously spreading from horizontal rootstocks. Leaves are pale green to bluish green and leaf sheaths are persistent on the stems. Cream or brown, compact, erect, spear-shaped silky inflorescences appear at the tip all year round.

Originally from

Mediterranean

Where is it a problem?

Throughout South Africa in wetlands

How does it spread?

Horizontally from rootstocks and plant segments that float down rivers and root in banks

Why is it a problem?

Competes with and replaces indigenous species. It forms very dense stands on riverbanks and in riverbeds which results in the narrowing of water channels, increased siltation and the exclusion of smaller and less vigorous riverbank species.

Planting alternatives

Common Reed (Phragmites australis), East Coast Broomgrass (Miscanthus capensis), Wireleafe Broomgrass (Miscanthus junceus), Bulrush (Typha capensis)

Uses

Ornamental for screening, ceilings and musical instruments such as wind chimes