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Description
Eleocharis Interstincta, commonly known as the spikerush, is a perennial aquatic plant that grows in shallow water or moist soils. It belongs to the family Cyperaceae and is native to North and South America, Africa, and Asia. It has slender, dark green stems that can grow up to 50 cm in height and produce small brown flowers in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Genus | Eleocharis |
Appearance
The spikerush has long, thin stems that grow in dense clumps. Its leaves are reduced to sheaths around the stem and are light green in color. The stems have a triangular shape and are about 1-2 mm thick. The plant produces small, brown flowers that are arranged in spikelets at the top of the stem. The flowers bloom in the summer and are followed by small, brown fruits.
Care Guide
The spikerush is an easy plant to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for keeping your Eleocharis Interstincta healthy:
- Water: The spikerush prefers to grow in shallow water or moist soil. Keep the water level consistent and avoid letting the roots dry out.
- Fertilization: Fertilization is not necessary for this plant as it can obtain nutrients from the water and soil.
- Soil: The spikerush prefers sandy, loamy soil with a neutral pH. Avoid soil that is too acidic or alkaline.
- Sunlight: The spikerush can tolerate full sun to partial shade. However, it grows best in bright, indirect light.
- Hardiness Zones: The spikerush is hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The spikerush is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to the following:
- Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot in the spikerush.
- Algae: Algae can grow on the leaves and stems of the spikerush if it is exposed to too much sunlight.
- Snails: Snails may feed on the leaves and stems of the spikerush, causing damage to the plant.
Habitat
The spikerush is found in a variety of habitats, including marshes, wetlands, and shallow waterways. It can tolerate brackish water and is often found in estuaries and tidal creeks. It also grows in moist soils along the margins of ponds and lakes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the spikerush be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the spikerush can be grown in a container as long as it is kept in shallow water and provided with adequate sunlight and nutrients.
Q: Can the spikerush be grown in saltwater?
A: Yes, the spikerush can tolerate brackish water and can be grown in saltwater environments.
Q: How fast does the spikerush grow?
A: The growth rate of the spikerush varies depending on the conditions. It can grow up to 1 cm per day in ideal conditions.
Q: Does the spikerush have any medicinal properties?
A: Some species of Eleocharis have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and skin conditions. However, there is limited scientific research on the medicinal properties of the spikerush.
Related Plants
- Eleocharis Acicularis
- Eleocharis Parvula
- Eleocharis Dulcis
- Eleocharis Palustris
References
- “Eleocharis Interstincta.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 September 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k600.
- “Eleocharis Interstincta.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Accessed 22 September 2021. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=243118.
- Lu, M., & Rong, J. (2013). Review on the botany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Eleocharis dulcis (Gramineae). Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 5(9), 152-157.
