Plumes of water from the bristles (Schoenoplectus litoralis, Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 10: 299 (1888))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: (Schrad.) Palla

Bibliography: Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 10: 299 (1888)

Year: 1888

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Schoenoplectus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Eurasia to Africa

Description

Schoenoplectus litoralis, commonly known as the Plumes of Water from the Bristles, is a species belonging to the family Cyperaceae. This intriguing plant is recognized for its significant role in aquatic ecosystems and its impressive adaptation to wetland environments.

This species was thoroughly studied and first documented in 1888 (Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 10: 299) by the botanist Palla, who provided crucial insights into its characteristics and distribution. Schoenoplectus litoralis is widely distributed across temperate Eurasia extending towards Africa, showcasing its adaptability to various climatic conditions within this extensive range.

The plant typically thrives in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of rivers and lakes. It is characterized by its tall, slender bristles that often resemble elegant plumes rising from the water’s edge, a feature that makes it distinguishable and gives it its common name. These bristles play a crucial role in the plant’s reproduction and dissemination, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of wetland ecosystems.

Schoenoplectus litoralis contributes significantly to its habitat by providing shelter and breeding grounds for various aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms. Additionally, it plays an essential role in water filtration and the stabilization of sediment, helping maintain the quality and clarity of water bodies where it is present.

Overall, Plumes of Water from the Bristles showcases the remarkable intricacies of aquatic plants and their vital contributions to the ecosystem. Its presence across such a broad geographical range further highlights its importance and the need for continued study and conservation.

Common Names

Deu: küsten-teichsimse, strand-teichsimse
Ita: lisca costiera
Fra: scirpe du littoral
En: Plumes of Water from the bristles, Bulrush
Ar: خب (خَبّ)، ديس (دِيس)، سمار (سَمار), سمار (سَمَّار، سُمَّار)
Ca: Jonca litoral
Fr: Scirpe du Littoral, Souchet du littoral
De: Küsten-Teichsimse, Strand-Teichsimse
It: Lisca costiera

Synonyms

• Scirpus litoralis (Schrad.)
• Malacochaete litoralis ((Schrad.) Nees)
• Scirpus triqueter subsp. littoralis ((Schrad.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Eleogiton litoralis ((Schrad.) Fourr.)
• Pterolepis litoralis ((Schrad.) M.R.Almeida)
• Heleogiton litorale ((Schrad.) Rchb.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Assam (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Benin (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Congo (native)
• Corse (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Greece (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Hungary (native)
• India (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Romania (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2711288)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:989624-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Schoenoplectus litoralis (Schrad.) Palla)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 6

Soil salinity: 2