Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Acorales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
calamus
ID:
351401

Status:
valid

Authors:
L.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1753

Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 324 (1753)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000350733

Common Names

  • Sweet flag
  • Sweet sedge
  • Calamus

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Synonyms

  • Calamus aromaticus Garsault [rejected]

Description

Acorus calamus (also called sweet flag or calamus, among many common names) is a tall perennial wetland monocot of the Acoraceae family, in the genus Acorus. This plant is aromatic, with a sweet floral scent, and has pale yellow flowers borne on a terminal inflorescence. Acorus calamus is native to southern and southeastern Asia, as well as northern Africa. It is found in damp habitats, growing in large clumps. All parts of the plant are aromatic. The above-ground parts are used medicinally and as a flavoring, while the underground parts are used as a spice. The plant is a traditional medicine for treating colds and flu.

Uses & Benefits

Acorus calamus has a long history of use. The rhizome has been chewed as a mouth freshener, in the belief that it promotes digestion. It is also used as a spice, incense, and perfume. In siddha, it is known as vacha and is considered a brain tonic, used to increase memory power. In ayurveda, it is known as vachaa and used as a diuretic, stimulant, carminative, expectorant. The oil is used externally for muscle aches and pains. In ayurveda, it is considered a tridosha herb, relieving kapha and Pitta while increasing vata.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Acorus calamus var. americanus Raf.
Acorus calamus var. calamus
Acorus calamus var. angustatus Besser

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Acorus calamus is a small, yellowish-green spadix surrounded by a white spathe. The seed is a small, black, triangular-shaped nutlet. The seedlings are small, with a single, long, narrow leaf.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Acorus calamus (sweet flag or calamus, bodhi, bogha, tekmar, sweet cane, or sweet sedge) is a North American species of flowering plant belonging to the family Acoraceae, in the genus Acorus. This plant occurs in wetlands throughout the temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Various names are applied to the many species in the genus.

Where to Find Acorus calamus

Acorus calamus is a perennial herbaceous plant with light yellow flowers and a sweet aromatic root. It typically grows in marshes, fens, and damp woods. It is found in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Acorus calamus FAQ

What is an Acorus calamus?

Acorus calamus, also called sweet flag or calamus root, is a perennial plant indigenous to wetlands in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan. It grows to 1 m (3-4 ft) in height, has pale green iris-like leaves, and bears small, aromatic yellow flowers in late spring.

What is in the Acorus calamus plant?

The rhizome of calamus from which the essential oil is extracted is rich in beta-asarone, gamma-asarone, and asaryl alcohol. Other minor chemicals include calamenene, alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, limonene, sabinene, myrcene, geraniol, geranyl acetate, and linalool.

Is Acorus calamus safe?

The FDA has classified calamus as being generally recognized as safe (GRAS). However, it is regulated as an alcohol in Canada, and is not allowed in foods or dietary supplements.

Species in the Acorus genus

Species in the Acoraceae family

References

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:84009-1: Based on the WCVP December 2022 data release.