Cyperus laxus

Family: Cyperaceae

What it is like

A sedge. These grow in clumps and have grass like leaves and solid stalks. It is a herb which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 30-80 cm high. It forms tussocks. The rhizomes are short and stout. The leaves are 15-80 cm long and 0.5-2 cm wide.

There are 550 Cyperus species. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on hill tops and near swamps. It is usually in the shade. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andamans, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, China, East Africa, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, India, Indochina, Laos, Liberia, Mexico, Northeastern India, Pacific, Paraguay, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, South America, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Taiwan, Tanzania, Venezuela, West Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

How it is grown

It can be grown by seed or division.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cyperus diffusus Vahl.; Cyperus nigro-viridis Thw.;