Contents
Description
Arundo Formosana, also known as Taiwan Reed, is a large perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to Taiwan, where it grows in wetlands, marshes, and along riverbanks. The plant is highly invasive and can grow up to 6 meters in height. It has a bamboo-like appearance with dark green leaves and a hollow stem that is segmented and jointed at every node. The stems are sturdy and can withstand strong winds and heavy rainfall. The plant produces large panicles of flowers that are light brown in color and can reach up to 70 cm in length. The seeds are small and brown and are dispersed by wind and water.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Arundo |
Appearance
The Arundo Formosana has a bamboo-like appearance with dark green leaves that grow up to 1.5 meters in length. The stem is hollow, segmented, and jointed at every node, and can grow up to 6 meters in height. The panicles of flowers are light brown in color and can reach up to 70 cm in length. The seeds are small and brown and are dispersed by wind and water.
Care Guide
The Arundo Formosana prefers moist soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but grows best in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plant once a year with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Arundo Formosana is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections, such as rust and leaf spot. These can be treated with a fungicide. The plant can also be affected by aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Arundo Formosana is native to Taiwan, where it grows in wetlands, marshes, and along riverbanks. It is highly invasive and has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America and Europe. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types and can tolerate both fresh and saltwater conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Arundo Formosana an invasive species?
A: Yes, Arundo Formosana is highly invasive and can outcompete native plant species.
Q: Can Arundo Formosana grow in saltwater conditions?
A: Yes, Arundo Formosana can tolerate both fresh and saltwater conditions.
Q: Can Arundo Formosana be used for erosion control?
A: Yes, Arundo Formosana can be used for erosion control due to its sturdy stems and extensive root system.
Q: How often should Arundo Formosana be fertilized?
A: Arundo Formosana should be fertilized once a year with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
Related Plants
- Arundo donax
- Phragmites australis
- Calamagrostis canadensis
- Spartina alterniflora
References
- “Arundo Formosana,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed July 21, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276437&isprofile=0&basic=Arundo%20formosana.
- “Arundo Formosana,” Invasive Species Compendium, accessed July 21, 2021, https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/116698.
- “Arundo Formosana,” Plantwise Knowledge Bank, accessed July 21, 2021, https://www.plantwise.org/KnowledgeBank/Datasheet.aspx?dsid=65559.
