Phragmites australis has been the most preferred plant among the ecological engineers for its application in constructed wetlands (Kadlec and Knight 1996 Brix et al. Species of genera Phragmites, chiefly australis, karka and communis, are well documented for their ability to mitigate environmental pollution (Singh and Srivastava 2007 Srivastava 2008 Srinivasan et al. The use of Phragmites species in India is conventional, primarily as raw material for rayon and paper pulp (Poonawala et al. 1996 Brix 1999 Clevering and Lissner 1999 Meyerson et al. Voluminous literature is available on the ecological significance of Phragmites (Marks et al. australis grows in soils of different pH, salinity, fertility and textures, and attains high productivity under different climatic conditions (Dinka and Szeglet 1998). australis reflects the plant’s adaptive features. Figure 1 show the global distribution of the genus Phragmites. 1994) rendering it cosmopolitan in nature. australis seeds profusely and spreads vegetatively by a vigorous system of rhizomes and stolons (Hara et al. 2001), although the transitional zones (ecotones) of rivers, big lakes and wetlands are the most preferred habitats of the common reed (Kenneth and Biddlestone 1995). extends from cold temperate regions to the wetlands of hot and moist tropics (Lessmann et al. The geographical distribution of Phragmites spp. karka (flute grass) are two commonly occurring members on the Indian sub-continent. 1999), of temperate and tropical wetlands all over the world.

The genus Phragmites of family Poaceae comprises of the most common perennial, rhizomatous, stoloniferous and tall (2.0–6.0 m) grasses, viz., Phragmites australis, P. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the suitability of Phragmites australis for environmental remediation and summarizes recent advancements in our understanding of this grass. australis has been a most preferred unique plant system, especially in ecological engineering for improving the quality of wastewater.

The capability of common reed to grow well at extreme environmental conditions such as elevated CO 2 and high temperature is conferred by several factors such as change of carbon trapping mechanism (from C 3 to C 4 and vice versa), microbial association and biochemical adaptations. Steudel), a graminaceous plant of cosmopolitan nature, has been extensively studied especially for the mitigation of environmental contamination. Common reed ( Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. The genus Phragmites has proven ability to mitigate the environmental pollution of its surroundings. Extensive research is being conducted worldwide to find alternative and efficient systems to lessen the impacts of climate change and reduce environmental pollution.

Paper reed plant