Phragmites
2 species native Aust.; all states and territories
Phragmites australis
Spikelets with several florets; the lowest floret male or rudimentary; rhachilla clothed in long silky hairs. Glumes thin, unequal. Lemma narrow, subulate, c. 1 cm long. Inflorescence a dense much branched panicle, up to 30 cm long, drooping, often with a purplish-brown tinge. Perennial up to 3 m high, with rhizomes. Leaf blades 1–3 cm wide. Widespread but especially near the coast. Amphibious in brackish and fresh water. Fl. summer. Common Reed