Cyperus congestus

Family: Cyperaceae

What it is like

A sedge. It is an erect herb. These grow in clumps and have grass like leaves and solid stalks. It has underground stems or runners. It keeps growing from year to year. It can grow to 90 cm high. The stems are 3 sided at the top. The leaves can be as long as the stem. They are broad, tough and smooth. The flowers are in an open group at the top of the plant. The bulbs are round and 25 mm across. They have a sharp point at the top. They are covered with papery scales.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows near the edges of streams and swamps. It suits hot arid places with a marked dry season. It needs well-drained soil. In South Africa it grows between 2-2,425 m altitude. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Europe, Mozambique, Namibia, New Zealand, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The tubers are lightly roasted and eaten. They are sweet and crisp. They are also eaten raw. The leaves are eaten as a vegetable.

It is an important food of Kung bushmen.

Edible parts

Tubers, bulb, root, leaves

How it is grown

It can be grown from bulbs.

Its other names

Local names

Musyinga-nsebe

Synonyms

Cyperus cooperi (C. B. Clarke) K. Schum; Mariscus cooperi C. B. Clarke; Mariscus congestus (Vahl) C. B. Clarke; Mariscus congestus (Vahl) C. B. Clarke var. pseudonatalensis (Kuk.) Podlech;