TYPHACEAE
TYPHACEAE
is a family of aquatic or semi-aquatic flowering plants commonly known as Cattails because of its inflorescence. These plants are found in wetlands, marshes, and along the banks of streams and ponds worldwide. Some of the characteristics of Typhaceae plants include:
Leaves: The leaves are long, narrow, and blade-like, with no distinct petiole and have sheathing bases that clasp the stem. Arranged alternately and distichously
Flowers: The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and they are arranged in a dense, cylindrical brownish spike at the top of a tall, leafless stem. Individual flowers are unisexual, with the female flowers occurring at the base of the spike and the male flowers above.
Fruit: The fruit may be a spongy drupe (as in Sparganium) or a dry, one-seeded achene or follicle that is often surrounded by a tuft of hairs.(as in Typha)
Growth habit: Typhaceae plants are rhizomatous perennials, with stems that can grow up to 3 meters tall in some species. The rhizomes of Typha are starchy and can be harvested as food source.
Habitat: These plants are commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and along the banks of streams and ponds worldwide.
Seeds fly like Dandelions when wind blows.
Uses: All parts of Typha species are edible . The rhizomes are rich in starch and can be ground into flour. Young shoots are consumed as pickles. The young staminate spikes and pollen of Typha can also be used for human consumption. The leaves are used in basketry, thatching and matting. Parts of the ripe female spadices have been used as pillow stuffing, while dried spikes have
been utilized for decorations. Some species are considered ornamentals.
Few Typha members are seen in Singapore, eg Typha latifolia, Typha latifolia variegated and Typha minima.
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