Family: Typhaceae
Author: Engelm.
Bibliography: A.Gray, Manual, ed. 5: 481 (1867)
Year: 1867
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Sparganium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Russian Far East to Japan, N. America to Mexico
Description
The Broadfruit bur-reed is a fascinating plant species with a wide geographical distribution ranging from the Russian Far East to Japan, and spanning across North America all the way to Mexico. Known scientifically as Sparganium eurycarpum, this plant belongs to the family Typhaceae, a group of monocotyledonous flowering plants commonly found in wetland environments.
Sparganium eurycarpum was first detailed in authoritative botanical literature by A. Gray in the fifth edition of Manual, published in 1867. This authoritative text provides a foundational understanding of the species’ botanical characteristics and classification. Later contributions by esteemed botanist Engelm. have further enriched the scientific understanding of this unique plant.
The Broadfruit bur-reed is characterized by its robust growth in aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. It typically thrives in freshwater marshes, ponds, and along the edges of lakes and streams, where it plays a critical ecological role. This plant provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, contributing significantly to the biodiversity and health of wetland ecosystems.
In terms of physical appearance, Sparganium eurycarpum is notable for its distinct broad fruits, which are a key identifying feature. These fruits are not only integral to the plant’s reproductive cycle but also serve as a food source for birds and other wildlife. The Broadfruit bur-reed has evolved various adaptations that allow it to flourish in its preferred wetland environments, demonstrating remarkable resilience and ecological importance.
Understanding the distribution and growth patterns of Sparganium eurycarpum enhances our ability to manage and protect vital wetland habitats. This plant’s presence across such a vast range of climates and regions underscores its adaptability and the significant role it plays in diverse ecosystems from the temperate zones of North America to the diverse climates of the Russian Far East and Japan.
In conclusion, the Broadfruit bur-reed (Sparganium eurycarpum) is a key species within the Typhaceae family, valued for its environmental importance and wide distribution. Its ecological contributions to wetlands, alongside its intriguing botanical characteristics, make it a vital subject of study and conservation in botanical and environmental sciences.
Common Names
Eng: broad-fruit burr-reed, broadfruit bur-reed, broadfruit burreed, giant burreed, big bur-reed, broad-fruited burreed, large burreed, large-fruited burreed, simple-stemmed burreed
Fra: rubanier à gros fruits
En: Broadfruit bur-reed, Broad-Fruit Burr-Reed, BROADFRUIT BURREED, GIANT BURREED, Broadfruit bur reed, Big bur-reed, Great bur-reed, Broad-fruited burreed, Large burreed, Large-fruited burreed, Simple-stemmed burreed
Ar: إسبارغانيون عريض الثمر
Zh: Hei san leng
Fr: Rubanier à gros fruits
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Amur (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Korea (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Newfoundland (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 7, 2019 by max (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 16, 2020 by Gauthier Martine (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2020 by collin pl (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2020 by Audrey-Anne Lacroix (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2020 by Philippe Côté (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Aug 8, 2015 by EOL − Don Loarie (cc-by)
Taken Jun 11, 2015 by EOL − amybeth55 (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 20, 2015 by EOL − botany08 (cc-by)
Taken Jul 2, 2015 by EOL − Matt Rung (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Betsy Morse (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 12, 2015 by EOL − Patrick Kleeman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 14, 2015 by EOL − Di (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2015 by EOL − randomrover88 (cc-by)
Taken Oct 9, 2013 by EOL − Jesse Lincoln (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Jun 20, 2015 by EOL − botany08 (cc-by)
Taken Jun 20, 2015 by EOL − botany08 (cc-by)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2702394)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:836759-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sparganium eurycarpum Engelm.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Colonizing
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.5
Ph minimum: 5.0