Particulars

Arboretum name: Ikusa: Soft Rush
Japanese name: I
Species / Family: Juncus effusus L. var. decipiens Buchen./Juncaceae
Okinawan name: Bīgu, Ōtūjin

Plant Characteristics

Igusa, or Juncus effusus var. decipens (Soft Rush) is believed to be native to warm, temperate regions, growing in wetlands in Southeast Asia, North America and Japan. In Japan, China and South Korea, the Igusa is cultivated in wet paddies. In Japan, it is said that the cultivation of this species became common when tatami-mats became popular amongst ordinary people during and after the Edo period. The underground stems grow horizontally while the stems above ground grow densely upright to a height of about 25–70 cm. At the top of the stems are inflorescences that produce 2 mm-diameter flowers in dense clusters, which later become spikelets. The stems of the Igusa are cylinder-shaped in cross-sections, a distinguishing feature from Shichitoi (Cyperus monophyllus Vahl), which has triangular prism-like stems.

Uses

Culm: Surface of Tatami-mats, Straw mats, Flower Baskets, Shopping Bags, Woven Hats, Slippers, Wicks
(Leaves, Culm, Roots) Medicines—Fever Relief, Swelling, Stomach Problems　
(Aroma) Relaxing, Anti-bacterial Effect

Calendar of best viewing periods

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