Calamus (acorus calamus

Calamus (acorus calamus)Acorus calamus is an herbaceous perennial growing in marshes, swamps, and other wetland habitats. The entire plant is aromatic and has sword-shaped leaves and tiny, greenish-yellow flowers. Calamus mostly propagates through its rhizomatous root system, and the roots have traditionally been used in herbal practices. Also called sweet flag, the leaves were once strewn on floors for their pleasant aroma. Calamus root can be used in topical applications, to scent cosmetic products, and in some internal applications under the supervision of a qualified expert.

Calamus is a member of the Araceae family and also goes by the names of acorus, sweet calamus, sweetflag and vacha. Native to Eastern countries, Acorus calamus has since spread to Europe, Japan and the Northern United States. Walt Whitman wrote 39 poems for calamus in his famous work, "Leaves of Grass".