Erect, tall, semi-aquatic perennial reed with thick rhizomes and stems to 3 m tall. Leaf folded in bud. Leaf blade broad, flat or inrolled. Ligule a dense fringe of hair to 1 cm long. Sheath remaining on the stems after the blades have been shed. Inflorescence an erect panicle, 10-40 cm long; Nov.-May. Spikelets 3-8 flowered, the florets successively smaller up the spikelet. [P. communis Trin.]

Cosmopolitan (not Polynesia or New Zealand)

A common reed of watercourses and wetlands where it is a valuable wildlife habitat.

Source: Spencer, R.; Aldous, D.; Stajsic, V.; McGeary, D (2005). Poaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.