Acorus Gramineus (Japanese Sweet Flag)
What is Acorus Gramineus?
Acorus Gramineus is a plant species that belongs to Acorus Genus and Acoraceae family. The species in Acoraceae family are called Sweet Flag.
The common name of Acorus Gramineus is Japanese Sweet Flag. It is also known as Dwarf Sweet Flag and Grass Leaf Sweet Flag. The plant is native to Japan. It is also found in some parts of Korea.
Note: It is sometimes referred as dwarf sedge, but this name is common for Carex Humilis and Carex Pumila.
Quick Review
| Botanical Name | Acorus Gramineus |
| Common Name | Grass-Leaf Sweet Flag & Japanese sweet flag |
| Other Names | Slender sweet-flag, Dwarf sweet flag |
| Major Group | Monocot |
| Family | Acoraceae |
| Genus | Acorus |
| Species | A. Gramineus |
| Legal Status | None Known |
| Known Hazards | None known |
Plant Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Subkingdom | Viridiplantae |
| Infrakingdom | Streptophyta (land plants) |
| Super Division | Embryophyta |
| Division | Tracheophyta (tracheophytes or vascular plants) |
| Sub Division | Spermatophytina (spermatophytes or seed plants) |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Super Order | Lilianae (monocots or monocotyledons) |
| Order | Acorales |
| Family | Acoraceae (Sweet flag) |
| Genus | Acorus L |
| Species | Acorus gramineus |
Plant Description
| Type of Plant | Shrub, perennial |
| Native Range (Geographic Distribution) | Example: Japan & Korea |
| Height (grows up to) | 30 cm |
| Spread | 25 to 30 cm |
| Habitat (a type of environment)
| Shallow water & Wetlands, moist |
| Leaves | Slightly curved leaves |
| Flowers | It only yields flowers when it is partially submerged in water. Flowers are generally of green color. Flowers heads are small. |
| Bloom Time | Early to Mid Summer |
| Sun | It grows in partial shade or full sun. |
| Soil Type | It prefers moist soil, wet clay. |
| Water | Require huge water to grow, so it grows in ponds. |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Growing Season | Summers |
| Propagation & Cultivation | By rhizome |
Medicinal Uses of Acorus Gramineus
In traditional medicines, Acorus Gramineus (Japanese Sweet Flag) is used in speech disorders. It is a common home remedy for stuttering. Its dried rhizome powder is mixed in honey and given to a person with stuttering.
Moreover, all plants of sweet flags are moderately sedative and used to treat mental disorders. It has aromatic and expectorant characteristics for which it is used for a productive cough. The analgesic property of Japanese Sweet Flag roots helps to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. These species are also used in the management of epilepsy and convulsions.
