Galingale, Sweet galingale
Cyperus longus

Family: Cyperaceae

What it is like

A sedge. It has single stems. These are almost triangle shaped in cross section. They grow 0.6-1.2 m high. It has thick rhizomes. The leaves are bright green and have stiff ribs. These spread out at the top like an umbrella. The leaves are 3-10 mm wide. They have brown flower spikelets in between. There are 3-6 bracts and the inflorescence has 8-12 rays.

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

Where it is found

It grows on muddy banks. It grows best in water 5-10 cm deep. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Botswana, Britain, Burkina Faso, Central Asia, East Africa, Egypt, Eswatini, Europe, France, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, Pakistan, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Türkiye, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The tubers are used as a spice in soups, pies and sweets.

Edible parts

Roots, tubers, spice, fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seed. They can also be grown by division.

Its other names

Local names

Dolgolistna ostrica, Saad

Synonyms

Pycreus longus;