Jointed rush

 

Scientific Name: Juncus articulatus L.

Family: Juncaceae

 

MORPHOLOGY

 

Habit and dimensions: Perennial plant, reaching heights of up to 70 cm. It possesses an underground horizontal rhizome.

 

Stem: Erect, cylindrical, smooth.

 

Leaves: Distinguished from the stem, with a cylindrical blade, lacking longitudinal ribs but with evident transverse septa.

 

Flowers: Broad inflorescence, longer than the bract, with erect or erect-spreading branches. Flowers in clusters of 4-10. Tepals 3-4 mm, very acute, all straight and more or less of the same length. Blooms from March to August.

 

Fruits and seeds: Loculicidal capsule, slightly longer than the tepals, ellipsoid, blunt at the apex with a short point. Seeds with longitudinal stripes.

 

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

 

Present throughout Italy in marshes, ditches, and moist meadows, generally from sea level up to 1500m, but can extend up to 2400m.

 

USE

 

The plant is traditionally used in rituals to cure warts. Before consuming any plant-based product (medicinal or otherwise) for therapeutic purposes, it is always advisable to consult with your physician. It is utilized in the crafting of baskets for collecting ricotta and cheeses.

 

Photo: Not subject to licensing by Saxifraga, Peter Meininger, Rutger Barendse, Hans Boll.