The coastal reed thickets are familiar to everyone, since this plant grows almost throughout Russia. At the same time, it does not matter to him where to germinate: under running water or in standing water. But the most interesting thing is that over many years a person has learned to use reeds not only for landscaping ponds, but also for the production of many materials.
Reed thickets
Reed or reed is an aquatic plant in the cereal family. To date, scientists have about 40 of its subspecies. Only 20 of them are growing in the Russian Federation. The most common are lake, forest and swamp reeds.
Externally, reed beds can be easily distinguished by long, flexible, knee-shaped stems. Their trunks are empty inside. The top of the shoot ends with a spreading panicle, and in some species with a rocking chair.
The reed thickets grow from the end of March to September-October. In this case, the green part of the plant develops only in the warm period, and the roots continue to grow even after the onset of small cold weather.
Environmental Impact
In the aquatic environment, reed beds serve as a natural filter. They let water through them, containing dirt and debris. They are also an excellent shelter for small inhabitants of rivers and lakes, protecting them from larger predators.
However, over the years, the plant can turn into a real pest. With a high reproduction rate, the reed quickly fills the body of water, thereby swamping it. Therefore, in private reservoirs they try to mow reed thickets on time in order to maintain a fragile balance in the ecosystem.
Plant and man
In ancient times, reeds were ground into flour. This is due to the fact that its roots contain a large amount of starch, which in itself is an excellent source of calories. In addition, plant shoots have long been used as a building material. For example, the Slavs covered their roof, and also made partitions for the walls.
Today, reeds are used in production as a valuable source of pulp. This substance consists of as much as 60% of the stem of the plant, and 25% is contained in its leaves. In addition, farmers buy cane as animal feed.