Spanish Reed (Arundo donax): Recognising Spanish Reed
  • Spanish Reed is a giant perennial grass that grows from three to ten metres tall. It produces many stems from a rhizome.
  • It grows mainly along rivers, ditches and wetlands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spanish Reed (Arundo donax): From introduction to invasion:
  • Spanish Reed originally came from India but has spread around the world, mainly as a result of Spanish colonization.
  • It produces canes that are used for fencing, thatching and making musical instruments. It is also grown as a garden plant.
  • The plant reproduces vegetatively: the rhizomes grow outwards from the parent plant at a rate of about 50 cm per year.
  • Spanish Reed spreads to new areas when pieces of the rhizome break off and are transported by rivers and streams. The rhizomes can survive dry periods.
  • Dense stands of Spanish Reed replace indigenous plants and the animals that depend on them.
  • They also pose a fire and flood hazard.

 

 

 

 

 

Spanish Reed (Arundo donax): Controlling Spanish Reed
 
  • Small groves of Spanish Reed can be removed by hand.
  • Herbicide can be sprayed on the leaves or painted on cut stumps, but this must be a chemical that is safe to use in rivers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spanish Reed (Arundo donax)
Terrestrial plants:      Aquatic plants Terrestrial animals: Aquatic animals
Kikuyu Grass Water Hyacinth Argentine Ant Largemouth Black Bass
Port Jackson Willow Parrot's Feather European Starling Common Carp
Rooikrans Spanish Reed Feral Cat European Mallard