| Phalaris arundinacea | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Pooideae |
| Genus: | Phalaris |
| Species: | P. arundinacea |
| Binomial name | |
| Phalaris arundinacea | |
Phalaris arundinacea, orreed canary grass,[3] is a tall,perennialbunchgrass that commonly forms extensive single-species stands along the margins of lakes and streams and in wet open areas, with a wide distribution inEurope,Asia, northernAfrica andNorth America.[4] Other common names for the plant includegardener's-garters andribbon grass inEnglish,alpiste roseau inFrench,Rohrglanzgras inGerman,kusa-yoshi inJapanese,caniço-malhado inPortuguese, andhierba cinta andpasto cinto inSpanish.[5]
The stems can reach 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height.[6] Theleaf blades are usually green, but may bevariegated. Thepanicles are up to 30 centimetres (12 in) long.[6] The spikelets are light green, often streaked with darker green or purple.[7] This is a perennial grass which spreads underground by its thickrhizomes.[6]
A number ofcultivars ofP. arundinacea have been selected for use asornamental plants, including variegated (striped) cultivars – sometimes calledribbon grass – such as 'Castor' and 'Feesey'. The latter has a pink tinge to the leaves.[8] When grown, although drought-tolerant, it likes abundant water and can even be grown as an aquatic plant.[8]
Reed canary grass grows well on poor soil and contaminated industrial sites. Researchers atTeesside University's Contaminated Land & Water Centre have suggested it is ideal forphytoremediation, which improvessoil quality and biodiversity atbrownfield sites.[citation needed]
The grass can also easily be turned into bricks or pellets for burning inbiomass power stations.[9] Furthermore, it provides fibers which find use in pulp and papermaking processes.[10]
P. arundinacea is also planted as ahay crop or forforage.
This species ofPhalaris may also be used as a source of the psychedelic drugsDMT,5-MeO-DMT and5-OH-DMT (bufotenin), as well asHordenine and5-MeO-NMT;[11] however, N,N-DMT is considered most desirable. Although the concentrations of these compounds are lower than in other potential sources, such asPsychotria viridis andMimosa tenuiflora, large enough quantities of the grass can be refined to make an ad hocayahuasca brew.
In many places,P. arundinacea is aninvasive species inwetlands, particularly in disturbed areas.[12] It has been reported as an invasive weed infloodplains, riversidemeadows, and other wetland habitats around the world. WhenP. arundinacea invades a wetland, it inhibits native vegetation and reducesbiological diversity.[13] It alters the entireecosystem.[14] The grass propagates by seed and rhizome,[12] and once established, is difficult to eradicate.[15]
P. arundinacea now has a worldwide distribution. While it is generally considered to be native to both North America and Eurasia, this is a matter of debate. It appears that the North American populations are a mixture of introduced European cultivars and indigenous varieties.[16]
Specimens contain varying levels ofhordenine andgramine.[17]
Leaves ofP. arundinacea containDMT,5-MeO-DMT and related compounds.[18] Levels ofbeta-carbolines[19] andhordenine[20] have also been reported.
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