Imiseke (Reed Grass)
Phragmites mauritianus
A tall perennial reed forming dense stands at the water's edge, with hollow jointed stems, long narrow blade-like leaves, and a feathery, plume-like flower head at the tip.
- Kinyarwanda name
- Imiseke
- English name
- Reed Grass
- Scientific name
- Phragmites mauritianus
- Family
- Poaceae
Habitat
Margins of lakes, rivers and swamps, forming dense reed-beds in shallow standing water and on wet banks.
Distribution
Widespread across tropical and southern Africa's wetlands; in Rwanda notably found around Lake Ruhondo and other lake and river margins.
Uses
Stabilises river banks. Around Lake Ruhondo, people make a music instrument called Urusengo from the leaves. Used to make ceiling material for houses.
Ecological importance
Dense reed-beds stabilise lake and river banks against erosion and provide shelter and nesting habitat for wetland birds and fish.
Ibisobanuro
gukora plafond y'imiseke. gukora, urugo rw'imiseke. Abaturage bo kunkengero z'ikiyaga Ruhondo bakormo "Urusengo" (Instrument de musique). Imiseke irinda inkombe y'imigezi cyangwa ibiyaga.