Cane (grass)

Scientifically speaking, they are either of two genera from the family Poaceae. The genus Arundo is native from the Mediterranean Basin to the Far East. The genus Arundinaria is a bamboo (Bambuseae) found in the New World. Neither genus includes sugarcane (genus Saccharum, tribe Andropogoneae).

Cane commonly grows in large riparian stands known as canebrakes, found in toponyms throughout the Southern and Western United States; they are much like the tules (Schoenoplectus acutus) of California.

Depending on strength, cane can be fashioned for various purposes, including walking sticks, crutches, assistive canes, judicial or school canes, baskets, furniture, boats, roofs and wherever stiff, withy sticks can be put to good use.

Etymology

The English word cane derives from Old French cane 'sugarcane', from Latin canna, from Ancient Greek κάννα, from Official Aramaic qanhā, qanyā and from Akkadian qanû 'tube, reed'.