Quick facts
| Arabic name | القصب (البوص) |
|---|---|
| English name | Common Reed (Qasab) |
| Scientific name | Phragmites australis |
| Family | Grass family (Poaceae) |
| Plant type | Tall perennial grass |
| Height | Usually 2 to 4 m |
| Water use | High |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
It grows by itself in wetlands
Harvest
Not harvested
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Tall hollow stems, wide strap leaves, feathery brown flower heads on top, and creeping roots under the ground.
Where it grows
In wetlands, lakes and irrigation channels of Al-Ahsa and Qatif in the Eastern Province.
Soil
Wet clay soil. Handles salt.
Water and irrigation
Needs standing water or wet soil all the time.
Climate and light
Handles heat and cold.
Propagation
From creeping roots and seeds.
Benefits and uses
- Used in roofs and mats in the past
- Cleans water in wetlands
- Home for birds
Drawbacks
- Spreads fast and blocks water channels
- Raises fire risk when dry
- Uses a lot of water
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Phragmites australis
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Phragmites australis
- Wikipedia: Phragmites australis
- Chaudhary, S. A. (1999-2001). Flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Riyadh.
- National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)