phragmites

[Lat., from Gr. phragmitēs, as adj. of or for a fence, growing in hedges; as subst. Phragmites communis. (See def.)] 1. Bot .: Reed; a genus of gra es, tribe A rund i new. Spikelets panicled, four to six flowered, those above perfect, the lower one with stamens only; all enveloped in silky hairs; palea short, two nerved. Known species five. The hard seeds of P. arundi nacea and P. cal a mag rostis were once believed to be strengthening and diuretic. Their roots hold together the soil of river banks. In Cashmere the first species is given to cattle, and sandals are made from its stems. 2. Palæobot .: Occurs in the Miocene. phrăg-mõç-er-as, s. [Gr. phragmos =a shutting, a blocking, a hedge, and keras =a horn.] Palæont .: A genus of Orthoceratide, with a curved and laterally compre ed shell; siphuncle very large. Known species fifteen, from the Lower Silurian to the Carboniferous.