Acorus calamus - Sweet flag

Acorus calamus, also known as sweet flag, is a multi -year, herbaceous plant from the family of Acoraceae. This species is known worldwide due to its medical and cultural importance as well as its aesthetic presence in wetlands and water landscapes.

Morphology and appearance

Acorus calamus is a swamp plant that can reach a height of 50 to 150 centimeters. It grows into dense hearts that spread vegetatively over rhizome. The rhizomes are thick, aromatic and horizontally growing. They serve as a memory organ for nutrients and enable the plant to survive unfavorable conditions.

The leaves of Acorus calamus are sword -shaped, flat and can reach a length of up to 100 centimeters. They have a bright green to yellow -green color and are slightly wavy on the edge. When the leaves are grinded, a characteristic, spicy-aromatic fragrance unfolds, which is due to the essential oils contained in the plant.

The inflorescences are inconspicuous and designed as pistons. The piston, which is about 4 to 10 centimeters long, is densely occupied with small, yellowish-green flowers. The inflorescence is accompanied by a long wedding that looks like another sheet. The flowering period extends from May to July. Acorus calamus is dependent on self -deer and rely on foreign pollination, whereby the increase is often carried out by vegetative spread, since the seed formation is restricted in many regions.

Distribution and habitat

Originally comes Acorus calamus Probably from Asia, today is naturalized in Europe, North America and other parts of the world. The plant prefers moist to wet locations such as bank areas of ponds, lakes and rivers as well as swamps and wet meadows. It thrives in floors with a high water content and is adapted to acidic to slightly alkaline conditions.

Due to the ability to grow in standing or slowly flowing waters Acorus calamus to stabilize the bank zones and prevent erosion.

Ingredients and use

Acorus calamus is known for its secondary plant substances, especially for essential oils such as Asaron, Eugenol and Beta-Caryophyllen. These connections give the plant its aromatic properties and make it a valuable part of traditional medicine. Sweet flag was used in many cultures for digestive problems, to calm down and as a tonic.

Finds in modern use Acorus calamus Application in perfume production and as a fragrance. Due to the content of β-asaron, which can be toxic in high doses, use in the food and drug industry is regulated in some countries.

Ecological importance

The plant serves as an important habitat for microorganisms, amphibians and water insects. It also plays a role in cleaning water because it absorbs nutrients and pollutants from the soil and water.

Due to their robust nature and decorative appearance Acorus calamus also popular in garden design, especially in wetland biotopes and as an ornamental plant in water gardens.