Common Name: Sea Rush

General Information

Juncus rigidus is a perennial, grass-like plant growing from a creeping, branched, horizontal rhizome; it forms tufts of growth usually 75 - 150cm tall[].
The plant is grown for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is also sometimes grown as an ornamental[]. It has been investigated with particular emphasis on its potential use in papermaking when grown on saline soils[].
Juncus rigidus is widespread with stable populations and does not face any major threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Mediterranean region (but only in Italy in Europe), east to central Asia and Pakistan, south to southern Africa

Habitat

Usually sandy saline localities (both coastal and inland), in desert and steppe regions often near wells, in seasonally wet depressions[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Juncus rigidus is a plant of arid to semi-arid climates, being found in temperate continental regions and also in the subtropics and tropics of Africa.

It has been estimated that, when grown on saline soils in India, the plant can produce 1.5 - 2 tonnes of pulp per hectare[].

Edible Uses

Young shoots[]. The Tuareg are reported to eat the young shoots[].

Medicinal

The root can be used to treat swellings and gout[].

The seeds have been used to treat stomach problems[].

Other Uses

The plant is used for household items, however these are not specified[].

The stems are used to make brushes[].

The plant is used for mat-making[].

The culms have been used for writing[].

The pulp of the plant has been used for paper making[].

Propagation

Seed -
Division