Differences between Imperata and Reed

1. Difference of blades

The leaf sheath of Imperata cylindrica is longer than the internodes, the ligule is membranous, the culm leaves are narrow linear, about 1-3 cm long, usually rolled inward, with a gradually pointed and thorn-like apex, gradually narrowing at the bottom, with white powder, and soft hairs at the base. The leaf sheaths and ligules of reeds are similar to those of the former, with lanceolate linear leaves, long and gradually pointed to be filamentous and hairless.

2. The difference between flowers

Imperata has a panicle inflorescence, about 20 cm long and 3 cm wide, and the spikelet is about 4.5-5 mm long. The reed also has a panicle inflorescence, which is larger than the former, about 20-40 cm long, about 10 cm wide, and the spikelet is about 12 mm.

3. Difference in appearance

Imperata is a perennial herb with long and sturdy rhizomes. Its stems are relatively erect, about 30-80 cm long, and have 1-3 nodes. The rhizome of reed is more developed and taller than the former, about 1-3 meters, with more than 20 nodes.