Juncaceae

From Gardenology.org - Plant Encyclopedia and Gardening Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search


Juncus


Plant Characteristics
Cultivation
Scientific Names

Juncaceae >



Read about Juncaceae in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

Juncaceae (from the genus Juncus, classical name, derived from jungere, to join). Rush Family. Fig. 11. Rush-like or grass-like herbs or shrubs: flowers numerous, very small, bisexual, regular, hypogynous; perianth of 6 similar, separate parts, greenish or brownish, chaffy; stamens 3 or 6 in 2 whorls; carpels 3; ovary 1- or 3-celled; ovules 3 to many; stigmas 3: fruit a capsule; seeds mostly very small, albuminous, anatropous.

Juncacese has 7 genera and about 175 species, of which 160 belong to the genus Juncus, widely distributed in temperate and cold regions, both north and south, but rare in the tropics. The family is closely related to the Liliaceae, from which it differs only in the rush- or grass-like habit and scarious perianth. Fossil species are known. The leaves are sheathing and the blades are either flat, or tubular and nodulose. Distichia of the Andes is densely heath-like or moss-like.

The stems and leaves of many species are used for binding, or for weaving into mats. Light hats are made from the pith of certain species in India and China. The pith is also used for candlewicks.

In cultivation in America are 2 genera for water-gardens: Juncus; Prionium, woody. Xanthorrhoea is transferred to the Liliaceae.CH


The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.


Genera

Gallery

If you have a photo of this plant, please upload it! Plus, there may be other photos available for you to add.

References

External links