Arundo donax L. in Egypt: a potentially valuable economic plant

Abstract

Arundo donax L. (Giant reed) is a highly productive tall perennial cane usually growing in damp soil in temperate and subtropical areas of both hemispheres. The plant has an economical value for humans since ancient times. A. donax possesses high adaptability and tolerance to various environmental stresses. The plant has been reported to reproduce mainly vegetatively, as seeds are believed to be unviable. Populations usually grow near soils with an abundance of moisture. Recently, the plant started to draw attention as a promising source of biofuel due to its high growth rate and biomass production. It is also associated with various ecosystem services such as phytoremediation, cleaning water sources from pollutants and carbon sequestration. This enables the usage of the plant for habitat restoration and mitigation of climate change. The plant also has various industrial, pharmacological and medical applications. In this manuscript, we aim to discuss the origin, distribution and behavior of giant reed focusing on its presence in Egypt and the Mediterranean region. The plant is usually abolished due to its ferocious efficiency and invasive behavior. Instead, we suggest harnessing the high potential of the plant to accomplish far considerable benefits on both economic and environmental levels. This work highlights the required futuristic scientific research endeavors about giant reed especially regarding a better understanding of some debatable issues as its propagation, spread, invasiveness and potential impact on economy and ecosystems.