Cladium mariscus | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Poales |
Family: | Cyperaceae |
Genus: | Cladium |
Species: | C. mariscus
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Binomial name | |
Cladium mariscus | |
Synonyms | |
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Cladium mariscus is a species of flowering plant in the sedge family known by the common names swamp sawgrass,[1] great fen-sedge,[2] saw-sedge or sawtooth sedge. Previously it was known as elk sedge.[3] It is native of temperate Europe and Asia where it grows in base-rich boggy areas and lakesides. It can be up to 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) tall, and has leaves with hard serrated edges.[4] In the past, it was an important material to build thatched roofs; harvesting it was an arduous task due to its sharp edges that can cause deep lacerations.[5]