This allows for the swamp-like habitat to exist for the growth of cattails (Typha latifolia L.) and also Juncus sp.
Threats to this rare localized endemic plant include damage to the habitat by feral pigs, feral goats, and invasive plant species such as Juncus planifolius and Andropogon virginicus.
Sheaf tossing is also contested in Ireland and Australia particularly at agricultural shows and at fairs; Irish sheaf tossing differs from sheaf tossing in Scotland and France in that the sheaf is made of rushes which are bound tightly with baling twine and are not placed in a bag.
Its name comes from an Amerindian name meaning "where rushes grow", referring to the abundant rushes in the marsh at river's mouth (Lavallière Bay).
Juncus | Juncus roemerianus | Juncus gerardii | Juncus kraussii | Juncus capitatus | Juncus articulatus |
The breed is hardy and thrifty, and the animals readily graze rough vegetation such as rushes, nettles or heather, and they keenly browse many trees and shrubs.
Associated plants include several species of Carex, such as C. scoparia, C. tenera, and C. tincta, plus Rumex acetosella, Leucanthemum vulgare, Ranunculus acris, Anaphalis margaritacea, Achillea millefolium, Phleum pratense, Vicia cracca, Juncus spp.
The shallow waters of the lake contain scarce vegetation composed of 72 species of plants which have adapted to salty water, such as Parish's glasswort (Arthrocnemum subterminale), Sea Lavender (Limonium), rushes (Juncus), glasswort (Salicornia), Sarcocornia, bulrush (Scirpus) and seepweeds (Suaeda).
Today the steep and narrow valleys are covered in a thin layer of soil, with a low pH, able to support only strong grasses, rushes and heathers.
Above the semi-improved grassland is some bracken but much of the higher ground is covered in typical Calluna / Erica communities interspersed with large areas of Juncus, Carex and Sphagnum bogs.
It bears long, narrow, rush-like leaves (hence the name "jonquil", Spanish junquillo, from the Latin juncus = "rush").