The common place and the plain can be so easily overlooked.
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This is a familiar inhabitant of the wet places in our ecology and is universally known as the bullrush.
Its secrets and uses lie forgotten along the ditches and swamps in which it is found.
She once fed us with her pollen, seeds, shoots and the roots were the source of life sustaining carbohydrates for our not too distant ancestors.
From those strap like leaves we wove screens, seats and even blankets.
The long brown seed head we are so accustomed to seeing was used for candles and for the tinder to light our fires.
This is an abundant plant in all senses of that word and she still has so much to offer us if we stop and listen.
Photos: Greater Reedmace by the Lake of Light. Courtesy of the author.