Acorus gramineus

Japanese rush

Acorus gramineus, commonly known as the Grassy Sweet Flag, is a perennial aquatic plant cherished for its elegant, grass-like foliage. Thriving in wetlands, this versatile species is valued in traditional medicine and ornamental landscaping alike. Its aromatic properties and ability to stabilize soil make it a botanical treasure.

  • Scientific name: Acorus gramineus
  • Family: Acoraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Acorus gramineus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Acorales and the family Acoraceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its genus, Acorus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Acorales WCVP
Family Acoraceae WCVP
Genus Acorus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Acorus gramineus, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Chinese contexts, it is known as 金钱菖蒲 (zh-hans), while in traditional or regional variations such as in Taiwan or Hong Kong, it is identified as 石菖蒲 (zh-hant and zh-hk). In Japan, it is called セキショウ (ja), and in Poland, it is commonly known as Tatarak trawiasty (pl).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 金钱菖蒲 Wikidata
zh-hant 石菖蒲 Wikidata
zh-hk 石菖蒲 Wikidata
ja セキショウ Wikidata
pl Tatarak trawiasty Wikidata
lt Siauralapis ajeras Wikidata
ar وج قزم Wikidata
vi Thạch xương bồ Wikidata
zh 金钱菖蒲 Wikidata
th สือชังผู่ Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range that extends across several distinct regions. In Northern Europe, its presence is notably recorded in Great Britain. Moving eastward, it can be found within the Russian Far East, specifically in the Primorye region. The species is also widely distributed throughout China, spanning from Inner Mongolia to the South-Central provinces. Additionally, its habitat reaches as far south as the island of Hainan.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Russian Far East Primorye WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
China Hainan WCVP
China Inner Mongolia WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China Qinghai WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
China Tibet WCVP
China Xinjiang WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known as Acorus gramineus, is a significant Chinese medicinal herb valued for its therapeutic properties. The most important part used in traditional treatments is the aromatic rhizome, which is harvested and processed for its medicinal potency. Additionally, the long, narrow leaf provides a distinct visual character to the plant, but it is the underground rhizomes that contain the concentrated active compounds essential to its use as a Chinese medicinal herb.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
7
Plant Part Sources Confidence
rhizomes 3 ★★☆☆☆
rhizome 2 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Chinese medicinal herb 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Acorus gramineus has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Alpha-asarone, beta-asarone, cis-asarone, eugenol.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Alpha-asarone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
beta-asarone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cis-asarone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
eugenol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Acorus gramineus has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Prebiotic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Prebiotic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Acorus gramineus has 18 reported medicinal uses identified across 23 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease, dementia, spatial memory, amnesia, anxiety.

Total uses
18
Scientific sources
23

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Alzheimer's disease 3 ★★☆☆☆
dementia 3 ★★☆☆☆
spatial memory 2 ★☆☆☆☆
amnesia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anxiety 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cognitive function 1 ★☆☆☆☆
convulsions 1 ★☆☆☆☆
depression 1 ★☆☆☆☆
epilepsy 1 ★☆☆☆☆
frontotemporal dementia 1 ★☆☆☆☆