| Scirpus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scirpus atrovirens | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Genus: | Scirpus L. |
| Species | |
About 120; see text | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Scirpus is a genus of grass-like species in the sedge familyCyperaceae many with the common namesclub-rush,wood club-rush orbulrush. They mostly inhabit wetlands and damp locations.
Scirpus are rhizomatous perennial herbs, with 3-angled stems and flat grass-like leaves. The flowers are in clusters of small spikelets, often brown or greenish brown.[2]: 992 Some species (e.g.S. lacustris) can reach a height of 3 metres (10 feet), whileS. sylvaticus is about 1.2 m (4 ft) and others, such asS. supinus, are much smaller, only reaching 20–30 centimetres (8–12 in) tall.
The taxonomy of the genus is complex, and under review bybotanists. Recent studies bytaxonomists of the Cyperaceae have resulted in the creation of several new genera, including the generaSchoenoplectus andBolboschoenus; others (includingBlysmus,Isolepis,Nomochloa, andScirpoides) have also been used. At one point this genus held almost 300 species, but many of the species once assigned to it have now been reassigned, and it now holds an estimated 120 species.
Several hundredfossil fruits ofScirpus ragozinii have been described frommiddle Miocenestrata of the Fasterholt area nearSilkeborg in CentralJutland,Denmark.[3] Thirty-fivefossil fruits of the extantScirpus sylvaticus have been extracted fromborehole samples of theMiddle Miocene fresh water deposits inNowy Sacz Basin,West Carpathians,Poland.[4]
The genus has a nearlycosmopolitan distribution, found on every continent exceptAfrica andAntarctica.[1]
Many species are common inwetlands and can produce dense stands of vegetation, along rivers,[5][6] in coastal deltas[7] and in ponds and potholes.[8] Although flooding is the most important factor affecting its distribution, drought, ice scour, grazing, fire and salinity also affect its abundance.[9] It can survive unfavourable conditions like prolonged flooding, or drought, as buried seeds.[10]
Scirpus species are used asfood plants by thelarvae of someLepidoptera species, includingChedra microstigma[11][12] andScirpophaga nivella.[13] They provide habitat for other wildlife.
Scirpus plants play a vital role in wetland ecosystems by stabilizing soil and reducing erosion. Their dense root systems help filter water and improve its quality.
Scirpus species are often planted to inhibitsoil erosion. They are also used in someherbal remedies; the plant'srhizomes are collected in the autumn and winter and dried in the sun before use.
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