What Are Reeds?

Word "Reed" is used in various fields of life but in botanical terms, Reed is considered as a term that is used for tall grass like plants of wet places. These plants usually form the reed beds and there are several classes of these plants. Some of the common examples are Poaceae family or the grass family, Cyperaceae or sedge family, Sparganiaceae family and Typhaceae family. This shows that reeds are widely spread on the planet earth. For more details click on the link:
Reeds

A reed is a tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera Arundo and Phragmites.

Reeds are perennial grasses that typically grow in wetlands in the temperate and tropical regions of the world.  Some reeds will also grow in colder climates but all are perennial grasses with hollow stems and broad leaves.

Humans have used reeds in a variety of manners for hundreds of years.  The word ‘reed’ can mean any grass that falls into the genera Phragmites, Arundo, Glyceria, and Phalaris.  It can also refer to sedges including papyrus and is also often used in reference to cattails.  Reeds of all sorts are used by humans for a wide variety of undertakings including making musical instruments to papermaking.  Papyrus has been used for centuries to make paper.

Common reeds are likely the most widely found reed and they are the ones that have traditionally used for roof thatching in the past few centuries.  They are also used in the production of woven reed mats and baskets.  These versatile reeds are also pulped to make a course paper or trimmed and fired to make rudimentary charcoal pencils or pen nibs.

Reeds will thrive in moist soil and are most often found in marshes and shallow water as a result.  When reeds have grown in number and colonized and area, they form what is termed a ‘reed bed’.  Reed beds provide shelter and habitat for a variety of animal species and they have the ability to slowly change the environment.  Organic material builds up in a reed bed until eventually the reeds are growing in dry soil.  Reed beds can be used to isolate and remove toxins from contaminated soil because these grasses naturally draw out toxins.  Reed beds are also often used in artificially constructed wetlands and can help to prevent flooding and soil erosion in areas where marshlands have been disturbed by human activity.

Conservationists often encourage the development of reed beds to provide a habitable environment for local animals and birds.  Birders will visit areas that have extensive reed beds because there are a number of bird species that are commonly found living near or in the reeds.  

One type of reed that is highly valued by anyone who plays a musical instrument that falls into the ‘reed instrument’ category is Arundo donax, the giant reed.  These are native to the Mediterranean but human cultivation has allowed them to spread into other regions worldwide.  This reed can read a formidable size and is also known for it’s remarkably rapid growth rate.

Can cattle safelyeatreeds