Edible: Roots, Rhizome, Leaves, Stems, Herb, Spice
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
Its natural range is the warm temperate regions of Iran and India. They are found throughout the Philippines both cultivated and wild, growing in swamps. In Papua New Guinea it grows from sea level to 2600 m altitude. It can tolerate frost but cannot tolerate drought. It normally occurs in ditches, swamps, and on the edges of lakes and streams. It grows in wetland. It grows best in water no deeper than 22 cm. Often the plant grows in dense pure stands. It is mostly in places with a temperature below 20°C. It suits hardiness zones 3-10.
Common Names: Airi, Ajer, Ajeras, Aleras, Ayer, Bach, Baghshtak, Baje gida, Bas, Boch, Bojho, Bos, Changpu, Flagroot, Fortunate bullrush, Huvagoh, Jagier, Jaringao, Jeringau, Kalmos, Kalmus, Khnkegheg, Lepiech, Lin-lay, Lin-ne, Lubigan, Myrtle flag, Pravi kolmež, Puskvorec obecny, Sweet cane, Sweet sedge, Tatarak. Vacha, Vasa, Vasambu, Vavambu, Vayambu, Vekhand, Wan nam,
Synonyms:
Acorus asiaticus Nakai;
Acorus terrestris Spreng.;
and others