gyékény

Gyékény is a genus of herbaceous aquatic plants belonging to the family Typhaceae. These plants are commonly known as bulrushes or cattails. The genus contains a few species, with Typha latifolia and Typha angustifolia being the most widespread. Gyékény are perennial rhizomatous plants that grow in wetlands, marshes, ditches, and along the edges of ponds and lakes.

The most distinctive feature of gyékény is its tall, cylindrical flower spike. This spike, often referred to as a "cat-tail," is dense and velvety, typically dark brown in color. It is actually composed of numerous small flowers. The male flowers are located above the female flowers, and after pollination, the female flowers develop into a fluffy mass of seeds. The leaves of gyékény are long, strap-like, and typically green, arising from the base of the plant. They can be quite broad in some species, such as Typha latifolia, or narrower in others, like Typha angustifolia.

Gyékény play an important ecological role in their wetland habitats. They help to stabilize shorelines, filter water, and provide habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, and insects. Historically, the plant has been used for various purposes, such as thatching, weaving, and for its downy seed fibers. While not widely cultivated, gyékény are a common and recognizable feature of temperate and tropical wetlands worldwide.