Łódź, Botanical Garden

Synonym 'Scirpus lacustris'. It is native to Europe and Asia from Portugal to Sakhalin; north Africa; southern Africa; Eritrea, Yemen. Edible plant - roots raw or cooked; young shoots raw or cooked; seeds ground up into a powder and mixed with flour for use in making cakes; base of mature stems raw or cooked; pollen raw or cooked. Herbal plant - the roots are astringent and diuretic; the whole plant is a traditional medicine for cancer. Useful plant - the stems are frequently used for making matting, chair bottoms and thatching as well.