Scirpus maritimus (Sea Club-rush) is a perennial riparian plant. It reaches a height of one meter. The stem is hermetic, with surfaces that give it a triangular cross-section. The stem carries leaves over almost its entire length. It is not actually marine, i.e. does not grow adjacent to the sea, but rather next to any water, and more near fresh water.
Sea Club-rush blooms in the summer, from May to August. Its inflorescences are cylindrical. They are arranged in umbelicate groups at the head of the stem.
Sea Club-rush grows on the shores of fresh water, sometimes even inside the water. It can be found in all northern and central regions of Israel. It has a broad global distribution, in both tropical and northern regions.
The genus Scirpus contains 200 species, most of which grow in humid habitats. Six species grow in Israel.
The stems of Sea Club-rush were used for weaving ropes and for weaving mats and baskets.
Written by Mike Livne
