Common Bulrush, also known as Broadleaf Cattail, a name that derives from its botanical name Typha latifolia, as the Greek word typha (τύφα) means ‘cattail’ and the term latifolia originates from the Latin words latus, meaning ‘broad’, and folius meaning ‘leaf’.

It is a sedge-like plant that is found in a variety of wetland habitats and can grow up to 3 meters high. Due to the cylindrical shape of the male flower, it is in Thai referred to as toob reusi, literally the ‘hermit's incense stick’.