Reed

Definition

= a tall grass with stiff, sharply-pointed leaves and a plume-like flower head that reaches to more than 2 m; it grows in lakes and streams, the roots creeping across the bottom of the lake to produce new leaves and stalks; or on riverbanks; ◄ Phragmites australis (Common reed) or Arundo donax (Giant reed); ► used for baskets, mats, flutes, pens, arrows, and roof-coverings; ≈ symbol of weakness and undependability, but also flexibility