totora

Totora is the common name for a tall aquatic reed of the sedge family (Cyperaceae), native to wetlands of western South America. It generally refers to species within the genus Schoenoplectus, which includes bulrush-like reeds that thrive in shallow lakes, marshes, and river deltas. Totora can form dense stands and, in calm waters, may create floating mats or tussocks.

The plant is especially associated with the Lake Titicaca basin and other Andean wetlands, where it grows in nutrient-rich, continually flooded habitats. Totora beds provide habitat for various aquatic birds and invertebrates and play a role in local hydrology by stabilizing shorelines and reducing erosion.

Uses and cultural significance: Totora has been exploited for centuries by Andean communities. The dried stems are bundled and woven to fashion boats, rafts, fishing gear, and scaffolding, while the leaves and shoots are woven into mats, nets, and thatching. In the Lake Titicaca region, the Uros people use totora to construct their famous floating islands, as well as reed houses and traditional round boats. The plant’s buoyancy comes from air-filled tissues that allow portions of the reed to float when stacked or anchored in place.

Ecology and management: Wetland beds of totora support diverse ecosystems and contribute to coastal and lacustrine resilience. Harvesting is typically cyclical to permit regrowth, and sustainable management is important to prevent depletion of reed wetlands, which can be threatened by water extraction, pollution, and invasive species.