Scirpus affinis -

Family:	Cyperaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.6
Synonyms:
Range:	Europe to E. Asia.

Scirpus affinis () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.6m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Wind

Soil Information

Scirpus affinis will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Scirpus affinis prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Scirpus affinis can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Wet and boggy more or less saline places[74].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Is a pond plant
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. This species is not in 'Flora Europaea' even though it is said to be native to Europe. However, S. maritimus affinis.(Roth.)T.Norlindii. is mentioned in 'Flora Europaea' and it is quite likely that these two names are one and the same species. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any wet to moisture retentive ground, pond margins and shallow water in full sun or shade[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Root - raw or cooked[74]. Rich in starch..

• Root - includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in a pot standing in 3cm of water. Only just cover the seed with soil[200]. The seed usually germinates fairly quickly. Prick out the plants when large enough to handle and plant out in their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

The plant is used to make roofs and walls of temporary shelters, it is also used as an insulation in walls etc and for weaving such things as mats[99].

• Insulation - Providing insulation against extremes of temperature, sound or electricity.
• Thatching - Used for making thatched roofs.
• Weaving - Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the USSR.
Komarov. V. L.
Author: Komarov. V. L.
Rating:
Publisher : An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers.
Date of Publication : 1968

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