Vasambu / Sweet Flag

Acorus calamus

Common Names: Sweet Flag, Calamus, Vasambu

Local Name: வசம்பு (Tamil), Bach (Hindi)

Family: Acoraceae

Origin: Central Asia, Europe, North America; widely cultivated in India

Plant Type: Perennial rhizomatous herb

Average Lifespan: Perennial; harvested annually

🌿 Botanical Description

Growth Habit	Clumping rhizomatous herb; sword-like leaves
Plant Size	0.5–1.5 meters tall
Leaves	Linear, sword-shaped, 60–120 cm long, aromatic when crushed
Flowers	Small, yellowish-green; densely packed on a spadix
Root System	Horizontal creeping rhizomes; aromatic, pungent, brown-pink

☀ Growing Conditions

Climate	Tropical to temperate; prefers wetlands and marshy areas
Temperature Range	15–35°C
Soil Type	Moist, loamy or clayey soil; tolerates waterlogged conditions
Soil pH Preference	5.5–7.0
Sun Requirement	Full sun to partial shade
Water Requirement	High; thrives in wet or waterlogged conditions
Can it Grow in Pots?	Yes, in large containers with water tray

🌾 Cultivation & Care

Fertilizer Schedule	Monthly with compost or organic manure
Common Pests	Rhizome rot in poorly drained soil; generally hardy

🌱 Pollination & Propagation

Propagation by Cuttings

Rhizome division; plant sections with at least one bud node

💧 Environmental Impact & Sustainability

Water Usage	High; grows naturally in wetlands and along water bodies
Biodiversity Benefits	Provides habitat for aquatic insects; stabilizes marshy banks

🌿 Medicinal Uses

Digestive Health	Rhizome used for indigestion, flatulence, and colic; key herb in Siddha and Ayurveda
Immune Support	Used for speech disorders in children; traditionally given to infants for brain development
Anti-inflammatory Properties	Memory enhancement and cognitive support; contains beta-asarone and acorin

Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.

📝 Orchard Observation Notes

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