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Arundo donax
Giant reed
Persian reed
Not native to Florida
Giant reed can be found scattered throughout most regions of Florida. The range of this Old World native that has escaped from cultivation now includes the southern half of the United States plus Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Arundo donax is used to make reeds for musical instruments and is a source of industrial cellulose.
The stems are large and cane-like, growing erect or leaning up to 6 meters tall. The numerous, stiff leaf blades can be as large as 5 cm wide and a meter long. The inflorescence is a terminal dense feathery spike, whitish to brown, to 60 cm long.
Arundo donax is a member of the Poaceae - Grass family.
Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (Institute for Systemic Botany) profile for this species
USDA Plant Profile for this species
Date record last modified: Aug 07, 2016
